The older I get, the more wary I am of getting my hopes up. I’d hoped to get the lead in the school play, but I got a secondary role instead. I’d hoped to get into a master’s program, but I didn’t. I’d hoped that relationship would work out, but it ended. Because of this, I have become very good at what I call “hope management.” I never let my hopes get too high. In doing so, when my hopes fall, the landing is softer.
This is why I can’t blame Zechariah for questioning the angel Gabriel when he tells him, “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John” (Luke 1:13). Zechariah protests. He was an “old man” and his wife, Elizabeth, “was well along in years.” Although Zechariah was clearly in the midst of a heavenly encounter, his question has undertones of disbelief: “How can I know this?” (v.18).
This tells me that Zechariah and Elizabeth had gotten their hopes up about a child before, and Zechariah can’t face the disappointment again. He can’t name another unborn child in expectation, only to have those expectations dashed. But as a result of Zechariah’s unbelief, he is unable to speak until the day his son is born and he sees God’s promise fulfilled.
Mary’s response to Gabriel is different. She is told something equally unbelievable––that she, a virgin, will conceive a child. Gabriel instructs, “You will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (vv.31–33).
But Mary’s question is more logistical than it is incredulous: “How can this be?” (v.34). As the CSB Study Bible says, “The difference between Mary’s response… and Zechariah’s is that Mary asked her question not from unbelief but from puzzlement.”
The nation of Israel had high hopes for a Savior for generations. I would not blame Mary for containing her hope. But she does the opposite. While Zechariah’s mouth was closed, Mary’s opens in praise: “My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (vv.46–47).
These words reflect the type of unmanaged, unharnessed hope I want to have in response to the promises of God. Instead of reserving my hope, smothering it, not letting it get too high, I want to hold hope with open hands, believing the Lord will do what He says, that He will make good on His promise to save.
What I have that Mary didn’t at this point in her life is the end of the story. I know God made good on His promise to save. When that is where my hope lies, I cannot be not disappointed, and instead, I can declare:
“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.
His mercy is from generation to generation” (vv.49–50).
I just recently started finding my faith again. I hadn’t nurtured it for many years, but felt called (commanded) to explore again. I read John and now and starting Luke. I am finding Jesus and the serenity that come when I am still and present. I still have my doubt at times… but am filling with something that allows me to accept that my journey in faith is allowed to be a marathon and not a sprint. I believe that Jesus can handle that and hold me close through it.
Yes He can handle it all because He knows what will happen in your life and if you let Him He will guide you through it. I’m happy you have returned to your walk with God. It is easier to walk with God on life’s journey than to do it without Him so if you find yourself questioning your faith again talk to a mature Christian believer for advice.
I tend to reserve my Hope in in fear of disappointment. I’m praying that I root my hope and faith in God. His faithfulness is everlasting. If he says he will bring it to pass, he will bring it to pass. This is such a good word!
what a great insight. Just started and I am already thinking
I just got my Bible about a week and a half ago. I needed a new Bible and I wanted to try something new—a new version. So I chose this one along with a Passion Translation. I absolutely love this Bible. I asked God where I should start reading and I heard Luke. I was sharing with someone today how wonderful this Bible is and they told me about this website. I was unaware because I order my Bible from another site. While on the phone with the person I felt led to pray and I kept hearing the word “Kingdom” so I prayed as led regarding the kingdom of God. After I got off the phone I decided to check out this site and see what it’s about and lo and behold. The reading plan is Luke and today’s verse is about Jesus remembering us in the kingdom. I also have to share my delight that when I first received my Bible I was tickled because the first devotion in Luke is about making pasta from scratch in Italy paralleled against clinging to the promises of God. So I’ve been wanting to buy a pasta maker to make pasta from scratch for quite some time, and a bucket list trip I would love to take is going to Italy and taking a cooking class. On top of that I have been apathetic, as Zechariah probably was, for some quite sometime concerning the promises of God in my life. I definitely fell in love with that reading because I knew God was speaking directly to me. I’ve read that devotion about 5-6 times. Cling to His promises. Thank you for the great work you have done with the mauling of this Bible and making God’s word enjoyable, practical and intimate in a fresh way.
I love the contrast between Mary and Zechariah’s response and that despite the difference, God still blesses them both richly. This is a good reminder for me that God works through his people in many ways and that even in Zechariah’s mute state, God was revealed to the people (they knew Zechariah has seen a vision while in the temple).
Really late to the game for this bible reading, but I am a very new believer. This is my first attempt of delving into the Bible and reading it through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am so glad that I have a community to interact with and to share our love for Christ for! God is indeed so good! Most of my life has been similar to Zechariah’s response to Gabriel: untrusting and wary. But once I found the Lord, there is no turning back. He has entered my life and soul in a way that I cannot hide from his presence. He is always there and always loving. Pursuing God’s will with an open heart like Mary is a gateway to a freed life. I’m so glad that we started this year with reading Luke, and I can’t wait to discuss with this community more in future Bible studies!!! Sending all my love xx
Welcome my new sister in Christ! You have found a great place to grow in your walk with the Lord. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
I love Mary’s response “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Without reservation or hesitation, she submits to be the mother of our Savior. I needed this message today … to unhinge my hope and to renew my trust in His promises. He ALWAYS knows what I need.
I love Mary’s response “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Without reservation or hesitation, she submits to be the mother of our Savior, the Son of God.