...And Their Effects
“Now The God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing....”—Rom. 15:13
It is most interesting to observe the effects of faith and
unbelief upon the lives of 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).
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).
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)...
"(CR Stam)
FULL study:
Faith and Unbelief
GRACE And Peace...