Luke 1:57-66
57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
60 but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John."
61 But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name."
62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.
65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.
66 All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
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For anyone unfamiliar ... you need to read Luke 1:5-20 for the back story. When Gabriel announced to Zechariah that he'd be having a son, and that they should name him John, Zecharaiah doesn't believe him. To which Gabriel replies:
19 And the angel said to him in reply, "I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
20 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time."
Thus is established Rule 1 of encounters with Gabriel - BELIEVE WHAT HE SAYS.
After several months in silence, Zecharaiah learns his lesson. There he sits with the chalkboard, and he gives the baby the name that Gabriel told him to.
You gotta see at least a little bit of humor in this situation. And ... if Gabriel ever comes calling, remember the rule.
