I have always wondered at the angelic visitations that Zechariah and Mary had. They both responded with almost identical words “How can this be?” Yet Zechariah was left literally speechless, and Mary’s speech was full of praise and worship “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to your Word.”
Let’s look at the responses. They both asked, “How could this be?” Both had valid questions. Zechariah responded with reasons that what he was hearing just couldn’t be. He and Elizabeth were old, his wife was barren. There is a sense of hopelessness in his response.
Mary’s response had a sense of curiosity. “How can this be seeing I know not a man?” There was no doubt, just an almost childlike wonder.
Two hearts are given an unimaginably glorious message. One heart was doubtful, only seeing his current situation of old age and childlessness. The other heart was in wonder and open to the Word given to her.
It has me asking myself about the condition of my heart. How do I respond to the glorious message of the Word spoken to me? Do I see those promises as impossible, at least for me in my circumstances? Do I respond out of discouragement, or weariness? Let’s call this what it is: a heart of unbelief, and it can leave us without a voice.
Or do I respond with a heart of awe, wonder, belief, and anticipation? ”Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, Be it unto me according to your Word.”
~ Susan Kewin
Christ Fellowship