By Greg J Daley

   In the Gospel of Luke, chapter one, both Mary and Zacharias each have incredible encounters with an Angel bringing a word and a promise from God.  Let’s look at each of their replies.

Mary’s Response

Luke 1:34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" NKJV

Zacharias’ Response

Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said to the angel,” How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." NKJV

When you first look at the responses of both of these to the promises given it may look like they were the same. However, closer study reveals two very different hearts. One is faith filled; the other is full of doubt.

Mary’s response is a just and honest enquiry: "How shall this be?” she asks, “How can I presently conceive a child, (for so the angel meant) when I know not a man.  Mary is wondering if she will become pregnant by some means other than by ordinary generation and, if so, will the Angel let her know how?

Mary knew that the Messiah must be born of a virgin and, if she must be his mother, she desires to know how. This was not the language of distrust or any doubt to what the angel said, but of a desire to be further instructed.  It was a reasonable request.  Ok Lord, I believe you for this but is there anything else I need to know or is there anything I need to do?  What is my part? Do I need to do anything or just rest in the promise?  Sometimes faith without works is dead.  We may need to respond with action or step out.  At other times, we rest in the promise of the Lord, waiting with expectation.

Zacharias, on the other hand, showed unbelief of the angel's prediction and received a rebuke for that unbelief. He heard all that the angel had to say and should have bowed his head and worshipped the Lord, saying, “Be it unto thy servant according to the word which thou hast spoken”, but he did not. He said to the angel, “Whereby shall I know this?” This was not a humble petition for the confirming of his faith, but a reply showing annoyance, irritation and perhaps obstinacy. It was an objection against what was said to him as being altogether incredible; as if he should say, "I can never be made to believe this." That is amazing when you think of the fact that it was an Angel he was talking to.  An Angel sent from God has the authority and ability to make it happen. It is as if he is shaking his head saying that is impossible it can never happen look at my circumstances. The challenge of faith is to believe and receive based on the promise, not the improvement or circumstances.

In John 5:6, Jesus said to a man who had been sick for long time, “Do you want to be made well?”  The man replied with an excuse saying that he had no one to help him get into the water.  Jesus had the power and authority to make it happen, but needed to get the man’s heart moving in faith.  “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”   Some time ago I asked a man if he wanted prayer for healing and he made many excuses as to why he could not be made well. I knew, in my spirit, that the Lord had given me the authority to make him well, but I could not convince him to let me pray for him.  He left in unbelief, a sad state to be in.

There are many instances in the Old Testament of those that had children when they were old, yet Zacharias cannot believe that he shall have this child of promise: "For I am an old man, and my wife hath not only been all her days barren, but is now well stricken in years, and not likely ever to have children." Therefore he must have a sign given him or he will not believe, even though the appearance of an angel, which was not a regular occurrence, was sign enough.   Zacharias did not respond like a son of Abraham who, we are told, did not consider his own body nor the deadness of Sarah’s womb nor did he staggered at the promise of God in unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Rom. 4:19-20

The results for Zacharias and Mary are different:

Mary’s reward:  Favor - Zacharias reward:  Mouth shut

Mary’s response:  Praise. She released faith by giving glory to God. - Zacharias response: Silence

The prophet Isaiah wrote concerning the word of God. So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isa. 55:11

Our response to all the promises of God should always be one of respect, faith and praise, as we say: “Let it be unto me according to your word!”   For every promise is Yes and Amen in Christ.