“[Zechariah] needed to be reminded that when God speaks, we should not only listen; we need to believe. . . . Humility is for all people in all places, regardless of situation or circumstance.”- Joel Muddamalle (emphasis author’s)
“He has looked on the humble [tapeinosin] estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.”- Luke 1:48 (ESV)
Joel Muddamalle continues Chapter 9 of The Hidden Peace with two stories from the New Testament. Stories that help the idea of humility sink in for us. The stories — Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
First, Joel notes, the name Zechariah means ‘Yahweh remembers.’ Above all, this meaning carried societal and personal significance. Socially, the Jewish people chafed under the subjection of a foreign country, Rome. Since that placed them in a position of weakness, they needed the strength of God.
And, on a personal level, God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Zechariah and Elizabeth she would conceive and give birth to a child. Gabriel also told them God heard their prayers and remembered. However, Joel believes, Zechariah’s response involved an extra dose of reason and logic. As a result of his unbelief, God subjected him to silence.
Most significantly, as a priest of God, Zechariah held position, status, and a certain amount of power. Hence, losing the ability to speak served as a shock to his system. Because he relied on his voice for his vocation.
In contrast, Mary acknowledged her less than impressive status in the world’s eyes. Yet God chose a virgin from Galilee. Rather than a princess or a woman of royalty. Thus, Joel explains:
“It’s a good reminder for us that God’s routine is to use surprising things, people, and situations to show us his kindness and power. God chose Mary, a virgin, someone of true humility, and exalted her.
Mary questioned Gabriel, but she did it in a different way than Zechariah did. . . . There is innocence in her question, and it’s comforting to know we can ask God questions like this.”
Today’s question: When God speaks, what helps you to listen and believe? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the Easter Short Meditation, “When our hearts are wintry”