12/1/15
The other day I felt led to start reading the book of Luke during my devotion time. In the first chapter an angel of the Lord appears to Zechariah, a Jewish priest. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth was barren and the couple were now very old. The angel tells Zechariah that God was going to answer he and his wife's prayers and that Elizabeth would bear Zechariah a son. Now in Luke 1:6 we find that "Zechariah and his wife were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations." However, when the Angel of the Lord announced that Elizabeth would give birth to a very great man of God, Zechariah did not believe him. Zechariah exclaimed, "How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now and my wife is well along in years." The angel Gabriel was quite displeased and told the priest that because of his unbelief, he would not be able to speak until after the child was born. Gabriel also added, "For my words will certainly come true at the proper time."
As I ponder this passage, it comes to me that the angel Gabriel's decision to strike Zechariah speechless was not just an arbitrary punishment for his unbelief. Rather, it seems that the angel wanted to guarantee that his prophecy would indeed come to pass and "at the proper time." Could it be that if Zechariah had been able to talk, his negative words could have actually hindered the Lord's intentions? Surely he would have told Elizabeth and others what the angel had said to him. Further more he would have probably expressed his unbelief at the revelation given him. Zechariah's "naysaying" could have stirred up more doubt and skepticism, even in his wife, and actually thwarted the plans of God.
As I ponder this passage, it comes to me that the angel Gabriel's decision to strike Zechariah speechless was not just an arbitrary punishment for his unbelief. Rather, it seems that the angel wanted to guarantee that his prophecy would indeed come to pass and "at the proper time." Could it be that if Zechariah had been able to talk, his negative words could have actually hindered the Lord's intentions? Surely he would have told Elizabeth and others what the angel had said to him. Further more he would have probably expressed his unbelief at the revelation given him. Zechariah's "naysaying" could have stirred up more doubt and skepticism, even in his wife, and actually thwarted the plans of God.
In contrast to this scenario, Mary, responded to God's angelic messenger in quite a different manner. When Gabriel declared that Mary would become pregnant with the Son of the Most High God, Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true." Initially Mary did ask how this would come to pass since she was a virgin. However, it was not a matter of unbelief for her, but rather a request for further explanation. After the angel clarified that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, Mary understood and welcomed the Lord's decree. Mary went to visit Elizabeth a few days after her encounter with the angel Gabriel. Elizabeth told Mary that she was blessed because she believed what the Lord would do what he had said. Mary responded with a beautiful song of praise which we have come to call the "Magnificat." She rejoiced in what God had done for her and for the merciful Messiah of Israel.
And so it seems there is a connection between our faith, our obedience, and our words.
"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:45
God is pleased with words of faith, with words which align with His thoughts and decrees. Godly words increase our faith.
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Romans 10:17
Positive words bear good fruit.
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
Faith filled words improve our circumstances.
"Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." Mark 11:23
This Christmas season let's remember the example of Mary, the mother our Savior. We can aim to align our speech with Biblical truths, the Holy Spirit's direction, and God's plans and purposes. Let's thank the Lord for sending His Son to be our atonement for sin, our healer, provider, protector, our wisdom and our hope. Let's light up the world this Holiday season with words of love, joy, and peace.
By Cathy Friberg
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