How or How?

S - Luke 1:18, 34 (NIV): "Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."  … "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?""

O - At first blush these two questions seem just about the same.  However, heaven's response to them is not. O yes, both events will still happen but Zechariah will lose his capacity to speak until John is born and Mary will not lose her virginity while giving birth to Jesus.  Both questions are about how.  The first questions God's intention, the second recognizes the current problem. Zechariah is not struggling with possibility but with skepticism; he wants a sign before the miracle, a "proof" that he won't get his hopes up for nothing.  Mary's how is about the practics not God's intent.  She may be wondering about the angel's understanding of how these things normally work … since he's not from around here.  At the core, Zechariah is offering a conditional response to God and Mary an unconditional one. Both will experience his deeds but only one stepped immediately into his ways. 

A - I see this distinction not as a performance issue but as a relational issue.  If performance were the key then Zechariah would forfeit his miracle and some other relative would have to fill the bill.  The issue for these two is the issue for me.  Will I rely on God's love, his person or on my current understanding and history? Will I start at "all things are possible" or at skepticism? Will I be this world's "grown-up" or heaven's "little child"?  Jesus prayed out (Matthew 11:25-26): "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." My assignment is to live out loud the relationship he desires … dearly loved children who dearly love him back unto the faith that pleases!

P - God of the impossible,

Thank you that you've never required flawless performance.  Thank you that nothing is too difficult, impossible or too wonderful for you.  Thank you that your response to the world is all inclusive and without condition.  All are wanted and all may come.  Lord of all and Lord of me, I come.  I throw open the doors of my heart in unqualified welcome to you and your will.  I want to please you by faith and by trust … the fierce personal loyalty you deserve and offer to all who will come near and stay.  

All in,

Steve