Blessed vs. Muted--Faith vs. Law (a part of the Christmas story)

Do you ever wonder why Mary was highly favored? Why was she chosen to carry Jesus? Yes, just carrying Jesus would make you blessed, for sure. But, as we read through Luke chapters 1 and 2 yesterday, I think it's more than that.  I think there was something in Mary before the child Jesus was there physically, and it made her different. I believe that something, was faith.

As part of the "Christmas story" in Luke, we see two people greeted by the angel Gabriel. One person was Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist; the other was Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Here is what we are told about Zechariah, a Levite priest (and his wife):

"Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. -Luke 1:6

Here is what we are told about Mary:

“... you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” -Luke 1:28

We have Zechariah; a priest, blameless in observing the Lord's commands.  Obviously this can't mean he was sinless.  What does blameless mean?  Maybe something to look into another time.  Suffice it to say, he and his wife both did a pretty good job keeping the letter of God's commands.  They were picked to bring John the Baptist into the world, afterall.

Then, we have Mary; a "common" woman, who was highly favored.  She, a virgin, would bring Jesus into the world!  When both of these two individuals are greeted by the angel Gabriel, we have two very different reactions and consequences.

Zechariah was told that his wife of old age would conceive and have a son--his name would be John (John the Baptist). Zechariah's reaction was initially one of doubt and disbelief. Mary, on the other hand, was given a significantly harder thing to believe--that she would conceive and bear a child, as a virgin, Who was the Son of God! What was Mary's reaction? One of faith.

Zechariah's encounter w/ Gabriel (Luke 1:18-20):

¹⁸ Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
¹⁹ The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰ And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

Mary's encounter w/ Gabriel (Luke 1:38):

"I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Elizabeth declares to Mary (Luke 1:45): Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

---------------------------

One angel, two people, two promises, two very different reactions and consequences. Not only was Mary's response one of faith, but it was in faith to a promise that was most unbelievable. If I told you an old couple conceived, you might believe me. But, who would believe me if I told you a virgin would conceive? Yet Zechariah who served God blamelessly in the duties he was assigned, responded in doubt and was muted. Even though Zechariah was a priest and followed the letter of God's commands to a "T", he lacked faith. Mary, who was otherwise common, responded in faith and was called blessed. Faith conquers works.  That said, Zechariah did eventually respond in faith, and his mouth was opened!

That is always the choice we have. Will we doubt and be made mute to proclaim a witness for the Lord, telling the things He has done and will do? Or, will we have faith and be blessed?

See the full version... HERE