In today's devotional we concluded byaying attention to Mary's and Zechariah's responses to the angel Gabriel when they met him. Both had their own unique obstacles. Mary and Zechariah represents for us two kind of responses we can have whenever we receive a word from God or face a situation where we have to chose or believe God or our situations.
Gabriel told Mary she was going to conceive even though she was a virgin. He told Zechariah he was going to impregnate his wife even though he was old and doctors have certified Elizabeth as barren. Who was facing the bigger obstacle here; Zechariah or Mary?
Let take a look at their responses to the message they received. For Zechariah he questioned the integrity and authenticity of the message he was receiving;
"Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Luke 1:18 NLT.
For Mary, while she wondered, she simply wanted to know how it would happen because no one has ever heard about a virgin giving birth, a old woman, yes, but a virgin, no;
"Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” Luke 1:34 NLT.
Zechariah wanted proof, Mary wanted to know more. Zechariah expressed unbelief, Mary expressed her faith.
The outcome were remarkably different, Mary conceived miraculously while Zechariah was struck dumb.
