How Can I Be Sure?

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, NIV)

Then Gabriel visits Mary to tell her that she will bear the Savior. (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?

Prayer- Father God, give us the courage to believe what you say, no matter how you deliver the message. Amen.