Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26-38

The contrast between Mary and Zechariah is too important to miss and shows the difference between unbelief and doubt. These are not the same. Unbelief is a more serious problem and is indicative of a resistance to the Lord. Doubt is the honest questions of an honest heart. At first glance, when Zechariah asks, “How can I know this for certain,” and Mary asks, “How can this be since I am a virgin,” their questions do not appear all that different. However, Mary is looking for the solution to the obstacles while Zechariah was explaining why it could not happen. Mary's question or reasoning seems to be, “I'm a virgin so is this the prediction of a son born after we are married?”

She was wondering how God would do this. The answer of the Holy Spirit’s conception settled the doubt in her mind and she responded with humble submission. The reference to Elizabeth’ pregnancy was objective, outside evidence that could bolster conviction. It is extremely important to know the difference between unbelief and doubt. We have defined ‘doubt’ poorly and imagine it is more negative item then perhaps it ought to be.

Zacharias was telling God’s messenger why it could not happen. In unbelief there is a seed of resistance or fiber of rejection. As if we want to have objections to the Lord's message or even the Lord himself. Given time, unbelief grows toward antagonism, agnosticism and even atheism. Unbelief is not actually seeking to answer the question. Doubt reflects the heart that wants to believe, but is trying to work through the questions that arise, is more intellectually honest and is willing to accept. Unbelief may reflect a mind that is trying to prevent the heart from some experience that may have been painful.

Mary was confident that she would have child, she simply wants to know how this will happen. However, Zechariah may have dealt with the pain of childishness so long that he had a knee-jerk reaction so he would not have to expose his heart to more pain. We need to be careful not to judge hurting people. We need to work through our doubt and seek God's care for and believe even if it seems impossible.

"Lord, protect my heart from unbelief, and help me to trust You in moments of doubt. AMEN"