Zechariah, the elderly priest, had not believed the angel Gabriel. The announcement that the geriatric couple would have a child (and that his name was to be John) was met by logical doubt about their biological capacity, instead of faith in God's ability.  So Zechariah was struck dumb as a sign that God's word was true (Luke 1:11-20).

At the circumcision and naming ceremony, it was left to his wife Elizabeth to resist the family's pressure to call him Zechariah (Luke 1:59-60).  But the relatives refused to accept her word and asked Zechariah what he wanted to name the boy.  Instead of the pride of having his own name continue in the family, the speechless priest had been humbled by God’s Word.  This time, faith propelled his pen.  By declaring that he agreed with God's name for the child, immediately he was able to speak again.

The dumbness had been a sign to Zechariah and Elizabeth that they must dare, after years without intimacy, to 'try for a baby'.  How much faith was involved, we do not know.  But by writing, "His name is John", he demonstrated his faith that this child was no accident of nature, but a direct fulfilment of God’ prophecy announced by the angel Gabriel.  The instant healing of dumbness was also prophesied (Luke 1:20) and became a sign to the whole family and community that the Lord was responsible for this miracle.  John had been conceived and born for a purpose.

Verbal confession that Jesus is Lord is an essential part of faith (Romans 10:8-10) - the normal response of those who are saved.  Those who refuse to acknowledge the grace of God, lose both their joy and their usefulness (Jeremiah 20:9).  Although we may use words lightly, God treats what we say very seriously.  Words should be the currency of truth and the personal certificate of faith.  Of course, they can be misused, or even made up (lies), but God knows what we mean when we speak.  Every word spoken in faith is precious to Him (2 Corinthians 4:13).  So, if you love the Lord, speak it out!  When you do so, you may well encourage other believers to emerge from their caves of fear, and start to experience the blessing of all those who confess His Name (Hebrews 13:15).  Once the Name of Jesus and the truth of His Word starts to be spoken where you live and work and worship, others will be convicted by the Holy Spirit that God is among you (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).