In Luke 1 we meet many individuals and two of whom I would like to contrast.  A priest, Zacharias, who is smitten with dumbness by the Angel Gabriel for his lack of faith, and Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus who was surrendered and submissive to the will of God.  

First, notice Zacharias, who was informed by the Angel Gabriel that he and his wife Elisabeth were going to have a son whose name would be John.  Zacharias doubted the message of Gabriel and consequently was stricken as dumb by the angel.  Luke 1:19-20, "...I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."  As stated earlier, Zacharias was a priest, and one would think a minister of God in this capacity would be full of faith, yet such was not the case.  

Next, notice Mary, who was informed by Gabriel of the miraculous conception of Christ through the virgin birth.  This miracle was not understood logistically, but accepted spiritually.  Mary remarks, "...How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (vs. 34) But afterward she states, "...Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."  Mary states her position, and expresses her faith.  A handmaid was a female slave.  Mary gladly viewed herself and lived as a surrendered and submissive servant of God.  She was more than willing to acknowledge God's Word and cooperate with His Word.   

Whose faith do you want?  The questioning, rationalizing faith of Zacharias, or the acknowledging and submissive faith of Mary.  May we be a people who seek to grow in faith as we grow in our daily walk with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Why was Zacharias smitten with the inability to speak? What may be hindering your life?

2. How does Mary’s faith exceed the realm of human understanding? How might Proverbs 3:5-6 speak to you in light of Mary’s faith?

3. Do you sometimes find yourself rationalizing your actions? How so?

4. How would we benefit by following the example of Mary’s surrender and submission?