...And Their Effects
and peace in believing....”—Rom. 15:13
God’s children. We see this especially in connection with the Incarnation and the
Resurrection of Christ.
THE INCARNATION
Aged Zacharias doubts the Divine Promise as to the Birth of our LORD’s forerunner
(Luke_1:18) and is rebuked by the angelic messenger.
“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in
the Presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show
thee these glad tidings.
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until
the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest
not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season” (Luke_1:19,20).
As a further result, it was impossible for the chastened priest to pronounce the
usual blessing upon the waiting multitude after the offering of the evening
sacrifice. We are told (Ver. 10) that “the whole multitude of the people were
praying without” at the time. But Zacharias, now stricken dumb, could give
them no word of blessing. Rather we read:
“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he
tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he
could not speak unto them...” (Luke_1:21,22).
tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he
could not speak unto them...” (Luke_1:21,22).
Symbolically this demonstrates the inevitable effect of unbelief upon the lives of
God’s people. Where unbelief enters, the testimony is silenced. In contrast to the
doubts of a seasoned man of God, we find sweet, young Mary accepting in simple
faith a message which would be considered much more difficult to believe: that
she, a virgin, should bring forth a child.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of The LORD;
be it unto me according to thy word...” (Luke_1:38).
be it unto me according to thy word...” (Luke_1:38).
Result: a song! From Mary’s heart and lips have come to us the glad Magnificat,
which begins with those inspired and inspiring words:
“...My soul doth magnify The LORD, And my spirit
hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke_1:46,47)...
hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke_1:46,47)...
(CR Stam)
FULL study:
Faith and Unbelief
GRACE And Peace...
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