Why was the father of John the Baptist punished so severely for his lack of faith?

[Shri Anil asked: Pādanamaskāraṃ Swami! There is an incident in New Testament of Bible in which the angel of God (Gabriel) appeared to Zechariah who was a priest and a very good devotee of God observing all the commandments of God. The angel announced to him that his wife would give birth to a son, whom he was to name John, and that this son would be the forerunner of the Lord (Jesus). Citing their advanced age, Zechariah asked with disbelief for a sign whereby he would know the truth of this prophecy. In reply, the angel identified himself as Gabriel, sent especially by God to make this announcement, and added that because of Zechariah’s doubt he would be struck dumb and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed. Zechariah became dumb till the birth and naming of the baby (John the Baptist). Swami, after analysing this incident I would like to know even though Zechariah was an ardent devotee of God why such seemingly serious punishment is given to him even though for a short time? Who is the equivalent angel to Gabriel in Hinduism? Please grace us with Your reply.]

Swami replied: O Learned and Devoted Servants of God! God plans such incidents to stress on the excellent and ultimate sacrifice of life for the sake of God as done by John the Baptist. The purpose of such sacrifice is to kindle kindness in the hearts of even cruel souls, which will purify them and enable them to receive the holy spiritual knowledge from God, who was to come in the human form of Jesus shortly. The blind force of tradition brings rigidity, which slowly turns to a cruel nature. Whenever such cruel nature rules the hearts of devotees, incidents that will evoke kindness are planned by God. They are just like the process of washing, which is planned when a lot of dirt has accumulated. All these are divine plans based on the psychology of the devotees existing then.

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| Shri Datta Swami | Why was the father of John the Baptist punished so severely for his lack of faith? |