My title for this devotion is Seriously? vs You’ve Got to be Kidding!
One of the weaknesses of someone with my personality (very much a Sanguine) is the tendency to take things at face value. Some would call it naivete’. Someone says something to me and I tend to accept it. Now, given some time I may change my outlook or perspective, but initially acceptance not skepticism is the order of the day.
That’s why the story of Zechariah (Z from here on) and the story of Mary are contrasts to me. Hence, the title.
- Both were going about their daily life.
- Both found themselves in the presence of an angel.
- Both received a message so incredulous it was stunning!
- One responded with doubt and skepticism; the other with acceptance.
Both Z and Mary received word of a baby on the way. Z balked. Doubted. Mary questioned. Believed. They both asked “Seriously?” but in their own way. Z’s ended up being more of a “You-have-got-to-be-kidding-me” moment, while Mary’s was “So be it. I am yours.”
What will mine be? What will yours be? Will mine be like Z: Seriously? You have got to be kidding me!” or will it be more like Mary’s: “Seriously? I’m yours Lord. Have your way.”
“Father, may my response to your message at this time of the year be like Mary’s. Stunned but yielding to You.”
Be sure to check out Ed’s post here. He has accepted the Christmas challenge.
I’m looking forward to reading your daily Christmas inspiration, Bill, but for many, many reasons, won’t be doing so on my own blog this season. I’ll check out Ed’s post, though.
Blessings!
thanks for reading Martha. wishing you could join me but certainly understand. Just enjoy the Christmas season.
A short while ago my “You-have-got-to-be-kidding-me” moment, which lasted many, many years finally became a “So be it. I am yours.” moment. It actually became an overall joy. (I think it might have been a revelation about my finances, and how God is always with the needy and poor, and not always with the rich)
Over the years there have been quite a few “You-have-got-to-be-kidding-me” moments that turned into “So be it. I am yours.” Most memorable is when Dick became a pastor. I had always said I never wanted to marry a pastor or an undertaker. Well, God has a way of turning our “never” into “always”. Now I wouldn’t have wanted Dick to be anything else!
I have to admit that I’m more of a Z than I should be. But His grace does always astound and confound me. And I’m eternally grateful.