There’s 
an old proverb that says one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, it seems there may be some people in the Bible who have been judged before opening their books and searching through the pages and chapters to see the real people there. Take Thomas for example. To many he is simply remembered as the doubter because of his comments regarding Jesus’ appearance to the other disciples. But few realize the simple yet profound witness he gave when Jesus appeared to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Martha also has a tainted cover. Her claim to fame was spending her time preparing an ill-advised meal for the Lord. But don’t forget her beautiful testimony at the raising of Lazarus: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (John 11:27). Zechariah (“Jehovah is renowned”) is another such individual. Most Bible story books usually include one story: Zechariah doubting God’s promise to father a son in his old age. Meanwhile we tend to overlook his great faith.
Zechariah was a priest, and as such, his turn came now and again to serve in the temple. At this particular time, he was chosen by lot to burn incense. That was a great privilege. Many priests were never given that opportunity. It was while in the temple standing beside the altar of incense that Gabriel came to him and promised him a son who was to be named John. He would prepare the way for the Messiah. Startled, confused, and realizing that he and Elizabeth were well beyond the age of parenthood, Zechariah fell into the sin of doubt. From then until John’s circumcision, Zechariah was not able to speak.
But there is more to the account. First, we realize that Zechariah did believe God’s promise, for he and Elizabeth came together for John to be born. Unlike Jesus, John still had to be conceived naturally. Second, we must appreciate Zechariah’s last words recorded in the Bible. They were tremendous! Zechariah’s 1-verse downfall in Luke 1:18 should never be read without noting his 11-verse sermon in Luke 1:68-79.
Listen to Zechariah’s words: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people” (verse 68). “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (verses 76,77). It could not have been said any better! Zechariah was once a sinful doubter but now the author of a magnificent benediction. God had a purpose for Zechariah. The cover of his book was marred and soiled, but the contents were truly amazing.
Do we sometimes jump to conclusions regarding those around us? Do we allow others to open the covers of their books to show us the table of contents and the manuscript before we make snap judgments? God tells us not to look at the outward appearance, but rather at the heart. Do you know when those words were spoken and to whom? They were written when Samuel was searching for a new king of Israel. None of Jesse’s boys seemed to fit the qualifications as the successor of King Saul. Rather, it was the youngest, lowly David, the shepherd, whom the Lord had chosen. That’s because God was looking at the pages, not the cover.
Jesus was the master of “heart searching.” He chose a publican as his disciple. He picked a Christian hater to be his greatest preacher. That’s because God doesn’t look at our soiled and tainted covers. He wants to see the pages. We thank God that he doesn’t judge us by our outward warts, habits, bents, and problems, but rather, as Jeremiah writes, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind” (17:10).
Personal goal: Spend time in God’s Word studying the lives of more Real People. Take their messages to heart!
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