Mary vs. Zechariah

Gabriel delivers a similar message of a miraculous birth to two different people who both respond to God’s Messenger with a question, but only one is rebuked. 

Here is Mary’s question:

Luke 1:34

 “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?””

‭‭Here’s Zechariah’s question 

Luke 1:18

“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

How will this be? vs. How can I be sure of this?

Mary said vs. Zechariah asked. 

Mary’s response seems to be, ‘This will be, but how?’ Her question is not if it will happen but rather how will it happen? Thus, Gabriel explains to her the details. 

Zechariah responds with doubt. There is no ‘this will be’ in his statement. He rather questions ‘if it will be’. 

Although God is not likely to speak to me through the Angel Gabriel today, He will speak to me through His Spirit and His Word, so…

Action Point: My initial response to God must be one of faith, ‘it will be’, and then by faith give Him room to share any details.