Don't Doubt

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]

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” [Luke 1.34]

Both Zechariah and Mary asked for clarification from Gabriel. Zechariah however was scolded for doubt and stricken mute. What was the difference?

Although there was a considerable age difference between Zechariah and Mary, there is little doubt they both knew how babies were made as Zechariah was already married and Mary was betrothed.

For Zechariah to ask "how?' was more of a question of will. Perhaps he and Elizabeth weren't as regular in their marital conjugation as before - maybe they were just tired more often than not. However, there should have been no doubt that, instead of asking "how?" Zechariah should have immediately thought of inviting Elizabeth to bed!

Mary, on the other hand, knowing how babies were made, knew also that she was not to the point in her marriage of having sex (since she was still betrothed). She really wasn't asking "how?" as much as she was asking, "how is this going to be okay?" Mind you, Mary hadn't gained favor with God because she was unvirtuous...

What does this say to us?

Zechariah had the same experience many of us have had: he was aged and his experience in the subject at hand caused him to "reason" ("we've not made a baby so far") which would have kept him from responding in simple obedience. Again, "how?" should have been kind of obvious!

Apparently, Mary, in her virtue and purity asked, "how?" as a matter of obedience. It wasn't right that Mary have sex during the betrothal period, and the Son of God surely would not be born from a prohibited illicit relationship! Mary simply needed some direction. Was Gabriel telling her to break the Law and have sex with Joseph (again, she assuredly knew where babies come from at this point in her life)? In response, Gabriel simply informed Mary how it would all take place without scolding her for asking.

So, back to Zechariah... he and Elizabeth had been unsuccessful in producing children. It would probably be no assumption to conclude that they had sex more than normal couples for this very reason (remember children were generally seen as societal validation more then than they are today): the more sexual relations, the more chances of pregnancy!

For Christians today, we easily become tired and discouraged in anticipation of good things from God. Like Zechariah, we might even conclude, "how is it going to happen?" based on our past experiences of failure. But we, like Zechariah, would be amiss in doubting God's Word. Doubting makes us lethargic and hesitant in continuing to believe and acting like we believe.

God's Word is true. We should not allow ourselves to become discouraged.

Father, this really hits home with me today. Forgive me for doubting. Forgive me for allowing circumstances (even circumstances of repeated failure) to cause hesitancy and lethargy toward Your Word for today.