There are two ways we can respond to the word of God:
Either we accept it or we don’t.
There are two ways we can respond to the word of God: we either accept it or we don’t. That doesn’t mean we can’t have questions. But note the wording of Zechariah’s question. It’s as if he’s saying, “How do I know?” He’s not questioning what will happen; he’s wondering if he can trust what he’s hearing.
Before he can say anything further or cast any additional doubt on the promise of God, Zechariah is silenced until the word comes to pass. Sometimes silence is more about protection than it is punishment.
But this isn’t the only “how” question we see in Luke 1. Shortly after Elizabeth’s pregnancy is announced, Mary’s pregnancy is foretold.
Again, I will summarize for the sake of word count, but I deeply encourage you to spend time in this passage this week, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak louder than any blog ever could. After all, this is His story to tell.
In Luke 1:26-28, we are introduced to a young virgin named Mary. We learn about where she was located and the connection she had to Old Testament prophecy through her betrothal to Joseph who was of the lineage of King David.
Sometimes silence is more about protection than it is punishment.
I think it’s important to pause here and note that after so much silence, God has now spoken to only a small number of people. Yet the two pregnancies revealed would change the entire world. Even more telling is the truth that Mary’s pregnancy was prophesied generations before, so the fulfillment of the prophecy further confirmed the truth that YHWH is the true God. He does what He says He will do.
The words God speaks to us will undoubtedly produce change in our individual lives. But the impact is never meant to stop with us. And the fulfillment of those words could be the very thing that proves His sovereignty to a weary and waiting world.
So the angel appears to Mary, telling her she is highly favored by God. And as such, she would be the one through whom the promised Messiah would be born. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of thinking this didn’t feel a whole lot like favor.
Let’s consider the facts:
The words God speaks to us will undoubtedly produce change in our individual lives.
But the impact is never meant to stop with us.
Mary is pledged to be married, but yet unmarried. Pregnancy prior to marriage is more than just frowned upon; this would bring deep shame on Mary and her family. Lives would be at stake here.
Then there’s the fact that she’s a virgin. Not sure how health class went for you, but this is impossible. There are certain things that have to take place in order for conception to occur. Those things had not happened for Mary, so this is very confusing.
Finally we have Joseph. This whole plan could be wrecked if Joseph isn’t on board. His word could bring about Mary’s death sentence. Not to mention the fact that the prophecies say that Jesus would come from the lineage of King David. Joseph carried that lineage. He has to be the head of this future household or else God is a liar.
But He isn’t. He’s a way maker. So none of these earthly complications scare Him. And they don’t have to scare us either.
Mary doesn’t give us an indication of fear in her response, but she does ask a question.
“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (verse 34)
God is not a liar. He’s a way maker. So none of these earthly complications scare Him. And they don’t have to scare us either.
There’s that “how” question again. But something is different about Mary’s question. It’s not like Zechariah’s question.
Mary is not asking whether or not she can trust what’s being spoken to her; she is only asking for the means by which this miracle will come about.
Where Zechariah asked, “How do I know if I can trust this?” Mary asked, “Here’s the facts, God. Now what are you gonna do about it?”
The motivation of the heart is totally different. Mary already believed what was spoken. She only questioned how. We are allowed to ask questions – we are encouraged in scripture to keep asking! But our questions should come from a place of faith in the One who is answering them.
In Mary’s case, this was bold faith. She faced the facts. She counted the cost of carrying the Messiah. By the way, her commitment wasn’t over once Jesus was born.
We are allowed to ask questions – Scripture says to keep asking!
But our questions should come from a place of faith in the One answering them.
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