Luke 1:20 (LSB) 20 And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
Greetings! Let’s continue our investigation to help us better understand why Zechariah was punished, while Mary was not, despite both asking the angel Gabriel a question.
If we look a bit more closely, it becomes very clear as to why things happened the way they did. Check this out.
It’s clear that both Zechariah and Mary were stunned by the revelations from Gabriel. They both replied with a question. But only one was reprimanded. From this we can determine that asking a question was not wrong in and of itself.
But if we look more closely, we can see there was a marked difference in what their questions implied.
Mary simply asked, “how can this be since I am a virgin?”
This would be the normal response from anyone in her situation.
Gabriel understood this. And when he explained it to her, she humbly accepted his words and said, “let it be unto me as you have said”.
But when we examine Zechariah’s question, we can see a different intent.
Zechariah’s question was, “How can I be sure this will happen?”
He was not simply asking how this could happen. He was questioning the legitimacy and truth of Gabriel’s words, insinuating that he had no way to know whether it was true or not.
Zechariah did not trust the angel, and he questioned his intent.
You see, sometimes the smallest details can make a big difference in the outcome of something.
And it’s important for us to realize that those small details can help us better understand God’s word, and why certain things play out the way they do.
What seems contradictory on the surface suddenly becomes very clear, and much easier to understand.
Mary trusted. Zechariah did not.
Mary was told she had found favor with God. Zechariah lost his ability to speak because of his failure to trust and believe Gabriel.
There is a reason for everything God does. We may not always understand it. And there may be times when we don’t comprehend why He does it.
But if we take the time and make the effort to look at the smaller details, He is faithful to give us understanding and clarity 🙏🏻
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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