Mary's Response vs. Zechariah's Response
As I read through this passage this morning, I thought, "What just one minute! Zechariah questioned Gabriel and is struck dumb. Mary questioned Gabriel and seemed to just get a little pat on the head from Gabriel saying, 'Now, now. God can do anything dear.'" Then I thought there is was a reason for Gabriel to handle these situations differently so I prayed quick and re-read this. Here is what I see:
Zechariah, back in verse 18 asked, "How can I know this?" (HCSB) He doubted. He wanted a sign. He didn't want to believe it unless he knew he wasn't being tricked. This doesn't make him a bad person. He was a priest and God had chosen him to father John the Baptist! He was a very good man but stumbled a little here with doubt. I can't say I would've done better. As a matter of fact, I know I wouldn't have.
Mary however asked a slightly different question here. She asks, "How can this be?" She doesn't doubt but she doesn't understand either. Rather than asking for a sign as a little insurance on the promise as Zechariah did, she simply asks for an explanation. That is a big difference in the way to handle the same situation.
God, grant me the faith and trust that Mary showed here. I know it is in Your hand even when I do not understand what or how things will happen.
Created over 2 years ago
