There are many times in the Bible when we see people question God. From Genesis to Revelation, our feeble minds wrestle between His will and sovereignty and our limited understanding and fleshly comforts and desires. But after studying Luke 1, we can go more deeply into two examples that parallel one another and bring us clarity on how we should and shouldn’t question our Father.
The two mirror-like examples are with Zechariah, at the conception story of John, the one who paved the way, and the other with Mary, at the conception of our savior, the one who made the way. They both encountered the angel Gabriel. Both had a response of fear, though I question whether one was actually afraid while the other was in awe and wonder and reverence. I have a personal revelation of which is which, based on what happens next…but I’ll let the Lord reveal to you His lens here.
I want you to notice through this entire text, Luke 1:1-80, these three areas of importance: position, power, and prayer.
Does God Position People on Purpose?
The position of Zechariah was a high priest, seen as a devout follower who “observed the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” This was a notable role in society. He was given access to the holiest of holies, his voice, opinion, and practices mattered, and people were often watching him as he was on a platform society deemed important.
The position of Mary was a Nazarene woman who was also a virgin. She wasn’t looked to for wisdom or help like Zechariah was. Women were often voiceless at this time, and because she had yet to be betrothed and lived in a rather lowly unnoticed society, she was about as ordinary and simple as they come.
The Power of God in Everyday Lives
Zechariah had power. It was given by God in some contexts, but it was also given by man, which can be dangerous. Either way, if not taken with the right heart posture of humility, it can well up as pride, especially in situations where more had taken notice of your platform, like when he was chosen by lot to go into the temple to burn incense, and many assembled worshipers were praying outside. He was seen. He had a unique power that the majority didn’t have. Power was displayed by what God could do, even without Zechariah's words or limited knowledge.
Mary, like her voicelessness and weak position, obviously she had no power either. And yet, the Lord’s angel called her highly favored. He didn’t greet Zechariah with the same nod to identity. He probably didn’t have worthiness issues, while Mary could have questioned it immediately. “Who am I to be in the Lord’s mind for such an encounter?” Her power came by the Holy Spirit, the most high overshadowed her (v. 35).
Why Is Prayer So Powerful?
Lastly, Zecariah’s prayer life is important here. The first thing Gabriel said was, “Your prayer has been heard” (v. 13). Wouldn’t that give you immediacy in understanding God’s listening ear and intention in this matter? Well, Zechariah’s response was that of unbelief in the matter. He said, “How can I be sure of this?...” (v. 18). Making note of his age like God is unaware of how old he and Elizabeth are. His response made way to his silence. It makes me question the depth of desire in his prayer or perhaps the lost energy towards a prayer they may have been praying for decades. Perhaps the doubt that had been raised in his heart overshadowed his desire. Perhaps society's lens on a couple who couldn’t bear children led him to a place of unworthiness, and so he poured his time into his identity rather than God’s goodness in ALL things. Whatever the case, we can be certain his season of silence would come to an end in due time, and his rejoicing and prayer life thereafter was evident in his song written in verses 67-80. His power was also restored righteously at that moment by the Holy Spirit, not a title or position.
Mary’s prayers likely weren’t even on her unborn child yet, considering she was yet to be married. Though, as a woman who was once engaged, all the future endeavors with my spouse, including raising a family, were on my mind. I’m certain without the position and power, she had humble prayers of hope, and Gabriel himself ensured her son’s future greatness, sealed his name, and spoke of the power and position He would one day take. Her answer upon hearing the will of the Lord was “How will this be…” (v. 34). It doesn’t initially seem much different than Zechariah, whose question also started with How…but the very next words determined the varied assurance that whatever The Lord speaks WILL be done. She didn’t doubt that it would happen; she simply asked how based on circumstance. Zechariah positioned the circumstance as an impossibility towards a God who does the impossible, therefore demonstrating his faith was more in the fleshly understanding of age than it was in the ageless position, power, and intention of the heavenly father. Mary was a servant first, not a leader. She prayed, “May your word be fulfilled.” (v. 38) Her hopefulness and assurance, despite the circumstances, made way for a voice that would be amplified despite what her spouse or community may have to say about her predicament. Mary’s song was released glorifying God and thanking Him for His mercy.
What if we didn’t hold tight to our positions?
What if our power was solely a gift from the Holy Spirit?
What if our prayers were fully surrendered to His will rather than worried about our predicament?
It’s ok to question God…but first, consider your posture. May your voice be amplified as a result of hearing from heaven! And regardless, if being silenced is your lot, may you see the hope of glory come to fruition in your life so you can praise all the more.
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Tamra Andress is a 6x #1 Best Selling Author (5 books, 2 forewords), International Speaker, Top .3% Globally Seasoned Podcaster in spiritual and business categories (The Messenger Movement Podcast), and a recognized thought-leader in Spiritual Entrepreneurship. She is an Ordained Minister in the Marketplace and spends her time speaking, coaching, and hosting events. Her time is spent serving as the founder and lead visionary for F.I.T. in Faith Media & F.I.T. Press Publishing House, a business and broadcasting company focused on podcasting, publishing, and platform development - ultimately selling words!
She’s also the President of The Founder Collective non-profit, which serves as a collaboration zone for other faith-driven entrepreneurs to be discipled, equipped, and commune through weekly gatherings and an annual conference with sights on an integrated faith and business collision school - this is the mobilized church. All of her initiatives are centralized to catalyze faith-filled leaders into messengers with movements so that they can broadcast Truth and advance the Kingdom. She and her husband and two children reside in Virginia Beach, VA, but you’ll likely see them traveling the globe in their bathing suits! Check her out on Instagram and Facebook.
