The Jewish Mind

The Angel Gabriel is highly regarded in Jewish theology as a messenger from God. For Gabriel to be sent specifically to Zacharias implies that he was major topic of discussion in the "board room" in heaven, an incredible honor for him. Throughout the gospels, we will observe in the Jewish mind, a cause and effect mentality. Consider the fact that Elizabeth is childless. Her barrenness would have been considered a great shame in the first century Jewish culture. This cause and effect mentality would foster the natural assumption that she and her husband has secretly sinned against God and were paying the price. Imagine being saddled with this kind of guilt all of your life. Consider for a moment what God is doing here. This faithful couple painfully accepted their plight of childlessness. At the point where that had finally given up the dream of having children, God comes through against all odds. What does this say to you about learning to give up? We are taught always to persevere and to persist, however, it is often when we finally give up our desires and dreams that God comes through in miraculous ways. (From:When the God News Gets Even Better)