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Articles 2021-2023
The angel Gabriel had just informed Zacharias that God had heard his and Elizabeth’s prayers and was now promising that in their old age, they would have a son. Their child (John the Baptist) would be great in God’s sight and would prepare the way for Israel’s Messiah to be revealed (Luke 1:11 - 17).
Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
Even though he doubted, the promise would still be fulfilled. While there are times when our lack of faith can hinder us in receiving from the Lord (Matthew 17:14 - 20), there are other times when God’s work will come to pass whether there is faith present or not. As Paul said, Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Here was one of those times. And so, Zacharias and Elizabeth became parents (Luke 1:21 - 25).
Zacharias’ response was almost identical to Mary’s when the angel informed her that she would give birth to God’s Son. But while Gabriel patiently explained to Mary what and how it would happen, he quickly pronounced a judgment on the priest. Because of his lack of faith, Zacharias would be struck dumb. Since he had walked with the Lord for many years, God expected more of him.
You mean that God does not treat everyone exactly the same? Exactly. Consider James’ words.
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
Teachers of the word can have great influence among God’s people. And because the Lord loves His flock, He will bring to bear a deep work in the hearts and lives of those He has called to regularly speak from the Scriptures. It can be so easy for a leader to mingle his own thoughts and preferences with what God has spoken in the Bible. In fact, we all do so. But here is the warning. Heaven’s own inerrant words are intended for His glory and for His eternal purpose. Therefore, to whatever degree a teacher obscures that glory with elements of self is to invite judgment. While such discipline will be rooted in His love for His people as well as for His servant, God’s holy chastening is still sobering to consider.
Then there was Moses. One would think that if anyone deserved to enter the Promised Land, it would have been him. But because on one occasion Moses misrepresented God to His people, the Lord only let him see the land from a distance (Numbers 20, Deuteronomy 34). It is amazing to note that when Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, God still backed him up with power and gave drink to His people. Clearly, His blessing was not the same as His approval. In our own lives, let us be careful to not confuse the two.
So, the Lord pulled his servant aside and brought to bear His judgment. It is not that God loved him any less than before. He deeply loved Moses, personally showed him Canaan from the land of Moab, and then personally buried him Himself.
So, why publicize this incident? Why did the Lord show us this weakness in the life of His servant? Clearly, it is there for our instruction and it is sobering. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required (Luke 12:48 NKJV).
Paul, the apostle, also felt the weight of responsibility to share God’s word properly. And he did so with fear that he not trust in his own strength, education, or eloquence (1Corinthians 2:1 - 5).
Clearly, to be a recipient of God’s grace does not mean that we are somehow exempt from His judgments/His disciplines.
Though Zacharias doubted, yet God’s purpose came to pass. Ultimately, as God’s people, our hope is not in us but in Him and in His commitment to fulfill His word and His purpose among us. This kingdom that we are involved with is far greater than we understand; it is far above all that we can either ask, think, or even believe for.
Then Gabriel was sent to Mary who was betrothed to Joseph – both were descendants of King David.
And coming in, he (Gabriel) said to her, “Greetings, favored one (Greek, CHARITOO)! The Lord is with you.”
The above word “favored” could be translated “graced”. Like Zacharias, Mary was graced by the Lord. Over the span of some years, He had been graciously preparing her for this very moment. But she was perplexed at what was happening (Luke 1:29).
While God’s grace at work in human hearts can be very subtle, yet for those who submit, the fruit will be both amazing and eternal.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor (Greek, HEURISKO CHARIS – perceived or obtained grace) with God.
Again, over some years, she had perceived and received grace in her relationship with the Lord. But what she was experiencing now was greater than anything she ever had before. She would conceive as a virgin and bear a son whom she would name Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High, God would give Him the throne of David, and His kingdom would have no end (Luke 1:31 - 33). What amazing promises!
First, Mary would name her son Jesus which means YAHWEH is salvation. Here is the name above all names (Ephesians 1:21). The only name given among men whereby we can be saved (Acts 4:12). It is upon Him as our Rock of foundation that we stand and into Him as Heaven’s environment that we are plunged. As a result, as His people simply abide in Him, we experience on earth the very atmosphere of heaven. Here is our calling.
Then, it would not be the people but God who would give Him the throne of David. When the people wanted to take Him by force and make Him their king, He simply walked away (John 6:15). What men give they can take away. But Christ’s rule is not rooted in man – what he has authored or what he can nullify but in the sovereign promise of God (Psalm 110). Here is the security, the guarantee of success for Heaven’s emerging kingdom.
As a result, His kingdom would have no end (Isaiah 9:7). It would be rooted in God, revealed in human history, and then culminate in God (1Corinthians 15:24 - 28).
So, Mary had an obvious question.
How can this be, since I am a virgin?
The Kingdom would arrive in human history through an event that was humanly impossible. In our own day, God’s kingdom is not about what His people can do for Him but about words and life events that have proceeded forth from Him and then lived out through a people in union with Him. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36).
So, Gabriel answered Mary:
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
What was her response?
And Mary said, “Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
It was probably right at this moment that the promise came to pass. When God heard her “amen”, He fulfilled His promise. And His word, empowered by His presence and united with humble receptive faith in Mary’s heart, changed forever the course of human history.
Donald Rumble – February 2023
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