God sent Gabriel to two very different people with the
incredible news that God had chosen them to be a part of the greatest
manifestation of His grace and glory since creation. It wasn’t age, position or gender that made
these two so different, but their response.
In our English translation, it really doesn’t sound
that different. They both asked how. Zacharias said, “How will I know this for
certain?” (Luke 1:18) Mary’s response was “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34) However,
in the Greek, the difference is much more distinct. Zacharias asked “Kata ti gnosomai touto?” “According to – what – will I know – this
specifically?” The Complete Word Study Dictionary states that the word kata is most often used “in a hostile
sense,” accusatory or in resistance. Here he is face-to-face with a divine
being in the holiest place on earth responding with cynicism! On the other hand, Mary’s question was
simply, “Pos estai touto?” “In what manner or by what means – will be –
this specifically? She merely wanted to
know what to expect. The difference
between Mary and Zacharias was acceptance: “It will happen, how?” compared to
“How will it happen?”
The dictionary defines acceptance as “the action of
consenting to receive or undertake something offered.” Zacharias didn’t really
want what God’s messenger was offering. Once upon a time it would have been
good news, but not now. He had come to
terms with his disappointment and questions. Back then, it would have silenced
the social criticism, the cultural bias against infertility. Their holy lives finally silenced the
assumptions and presumptions that sin was the reason. Back then, it would have been in his timing.
Back then, it would be logical. Now? Not only
was conception illogical, but so was the idea of parenting at their age. Like Moses tried in Exodus 4:10-15, his question was merely a delay tactic. Maybe
if he stalled long enough God would change His mind about involving him. It was pure grace that the only repercussion was that he was struck deaf and mute.
Nine months of deafness gave Zacharias plenty of time
to think about what he heard. Nine months of silence gave Zacharias plenty of
time to think about what he said. A
silent bystander, he watched the fulfillment of Gabriel’s words grow in his
elderly wife. He watched her and Mary as
they shared being a part of God’s amazing story of grace. He clung to the promise that this judgment
was temporary – “until the day when these things take place.” (Luke 1:20) When his mouth and ears were once again opened, he was finally ready with appropriate praise.
Mary too had lots of questions. “How” and “now” were
just the beginning. The Lord welcomed all
her questions asked out of accepting faith. Some He answered with the assurance
of His personal involvement and promised gentleness (like a shadow passing over
her); others He answered with a silent “Trust Me.” Because she believed God to
be trustworthy, she entrusted all her questions to Him and responded, “Ginomai
– let it be!”
Making It
Personal
What have you been taught about questioning God’s
timing (now), process (how) or reason (why)?
Do you believe God can handle your honest questions?
How can your questions lead you to greater trust and
obedience?
How can they lead you into greater confusion and away
from God?
The difference between Zacharias’ response and Mary’s
was that his was rooted in willfulness, while Mary’s was anchored in
willingness. What does this mean to
you?
What is at the core of your questions?
What does questioning your questions (seeing what really lies at the heart of them) tell you about your faith relationship with God?
