Believe It or Not

Angel Gabriel visits Zachariah to tell him that he will have a son who will do wonderful things for God. 

Zechariah responds, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18)

Gabriel says do you know who I am and who I come from? Now you’ll have to keep your mouth shut until the day it happens, because you did not believe my words.  (Luke 1:19-20)

Then Gabriel visits Mary to tell her that she will bear the Saviour. (Luke 1:28-33)   

Mary’s Response?  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)

Gabriel’s Response is a long, clear explanation full of encouragement. (Luke 1:35-37)

They both questioned but one gets punishment and the other encouragement. What’s the difference?

Zechariah did not believe. Do you?

Be sure to ask God for courage to believe the message he gives us, no matter how he delivers it.