Luke 1:45 ” And blessed is she that believed for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from The Lord (Elizabeth, Zacharias wife).”
The story of Christmas is beautiful, but lengthy for a short devotional. So in selecting these last verses to complete our Christmas week, I want us to understand the differences of these two responses. The first response comes from Zacharias, a priest in Israel, as he was ministering unto the Lord in the Temple.
The next response comes from Mary, which we believe was around 16 yrs. of age. Both individuals were “challenged” in their faith. Zacharias and his wife were old, way beyond the childbearing age. Mary was not married yet, and God was not going to wait until she was. It needed to be clear that Christ’s birth was super natural. And for Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph, to come back from visiting Elizabeth ( vs. 39 -45) Zacharias wife, pregnant, was punishable by stoning.
Yet Mary’s response was, ” Behold the handmaid of The Lord…” There was a willingness in her, and a belief, whereas with Zacharias, Gabriel’s words were met with doubt. Even though Abraham the “Father of the Jewish Faith” wife Sarah conceived also very late in age, and Zacharias knew the testimony. So Zacharias had history in his favor, yet he still did not believe. Why?
What causes two people hearing from the same messenger to respond differently? There are probably a couple of reasons, but ultimately it is the condition of our heart. A willingness to believe given the evidence (the angel Gabriel) despite the obstacles, or like Zacharias, a lack of willingness to believe despite the same evidence because of the obstacles… Some of us chose not to believe because it means we would have to change the way we want to live, and we are not willing to change our lifestyle. At times it can seem a little daunting to fully trust God with our lives. So we “believe” but not fully surrendering the control of our lives. Yet Jesus said ” what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world (all that we value here), yet lose his own soul?” So our choice to abide “in the love of God,” being in relationship with Him, like Mary, or religious and living life on our terms like Zacharias….., which do we value more?
And can anything be done if I find in me a hard heart, a lack of faith? The Bible teaches that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (the Bible), both audibly and in study. If I am struggling in trusting God overall, or in a certain area of my life, I need to read and study the scriptures. Either scriptures about the faithfulness of God towards me ( e.g., Psalm 119) or specific scriptures that pertain to my struggle ( Matthew 5,6 &7 deals with many). As I do, my faith grows and doubt lessens and or leaves. Lack of faith simply points to a lack of relationship. It is hard to believe and trust someone if you don’t know them. So doubt is not so much the problem, it can be dealt with, but it is more the LACK OF WILLINGNESS to know The Lord. Being “self fulfilled” and not seeing my need of Him is the concern. Zacharias life is such a life, and his lack of trust given history speaks of a religious man who really didn’t know the God he claimed to serve. Where as with Mary, it is apparent that she had a meaningful relationship with The Lord. Though giving birth to God in the flesh was quite a “jump of faith,” it was faith that had been nurtured in her since her childhood.
In conclusion, as you look at your own life, do you relate more to Mary, willing to trust God, or do you find a Zacharias close at heart? Your decision matters.
Father God,
May all doubts and fears be answered as I consider the love with which You came. Living a life among us, giving your life for us, may this loudly speak to me of a love that is un- dieing. And when questions arise and hard times be on my path, may I know that You are fitting me for a different life, a life that leans on You and seeks to embrace eternal values. Thank you and Amen.
I trust everyone’s Christmas went well :)
Dios lo Bendiga