In
the Book of Luke, Zacharias and Mary were visited by the angel Gabriel. As you
might imagine, it was a little disturbing...even frightening. However, Gabriel quieted
their fears. Gabriel was a messenger of God. He was
there to reveal the future. He was there to prepare them both for what
was to come. When Gabriel appeared to Zacharias, he informed
him of a pregnancy...his wife Elizabeth's! Zacharias didn't believe
she could get pregnant...or that he could father a child at such a
late time in life. He asked, "How shall I know this? For I am
an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." Gabriel
informed Zacharias that because he didn't believe (Luke 1:20), he
would be mute until what he said was fulfilled. Gabriel then
appeared to Mary. She was also informed of a pregnancy...her own!
She asked, "How can this be since I do not know a man?"
Seems like she was questioning God too...but apparently, she was
not. While Zacharias had also questioned the revelation of Gabriel,
the outcomes were VERY different! The difference was in their
hearts! Zacharias was a priest. He knew of prophecies
concerning Christ! He knew that God was able to do ANYTHING...yet he
analyzed what Gabriel said, according to the natural. He was trying
to receive a spiritual gift, in an earthly way. Given Gabriel's
response in verse 20, it seems that Zacharias was possibly doubting
the veracity of Gabriel himself! Zacharias received a penalty for
his doubt...he couldn't speak. Mary, on the other hand, was given an
explanation which satisfied her curiosity. She believed the veracity
of Gabriel, it was just a mystery to her how the prophecy
could happen in the physical realm. She received the news willingly.
She accepted the prophecy. Yes, she questioned how it would
come about, but she didn't question the authority or supremacy of
God. Zacharias, the priest, did question the viability of the
WORD. He took a cynical attitude with Gabriel. He pessimistically
considered the revelation! Mary took a reverent attitude with
Gabriel. She optimistically considered her revelation. She was truly
interested in HOW it could happen...not IF it would happen! BIG
DIFFERENCE, when compared with the seemingly similar response of
Zacharias! Interestingly, BOTH Zacharias and Mary would see the
prophecies fulfilled! They both were blessed! They both were highly
favored in the eyes of God! Zacharias just received a little
discipline with his message from Gabriel...due to an unwillingness
to fully accept God's Word! How often do we find ourselves doubting
God's Word? How often have we practically given up on the promises
of God? Many times I have been convicted by the Holy Spirit of
responding to Divine revelation with unbelief! Perhaps we can all
learn a lesson from this simple comparison of Zacharias and Mary.
The next time we receive a Word from the Lord, let us NOT hold Him
in contempt because it doesn't measure up to our expectations! Let
us NOT reject it, because it seems too far fetched! However, let us
ponder it in our hearts. Let us pray about it. Let us compare it to
the standard of the written WORD OF GOD! If we have questions, may
we ask them with a reverent heart of FAITH. Let us ask, KNOWING that
our Heavenly Father desires to give us good gifts! Mary received the
gift of Jesus into her life in an awesome way! We who have accepted
Christ, have also received the same gift! God is at work in the
lives of those who believe. "Without faith, it is impossible to
please God." May we be encouraged today! May we walk in faith
instead of doubt! May we confess God's Word to us with our mouths.
Just as Mary concluded her visit with Gabriel! May we confess,
"Let it be to me according to your Word". Until next time,
may God's BEST rest upon you!
Seeking To Glorify God At All Cost,
Greg McCowen
Covenant Life Fellowship - Lubbock
Church - (806) 771-4244
