There are those who say that it’s all about faith – and that for those without it, nothing good can possibly happen. But such dogmatic assertions are not wholly true, because whilst faith is, of course, important, God’s grace is far greater than even our biggest doubts.
Take Zechariah for example, for whom the news the angel brought wasn’t enough. As a messenger from God, the angel’s words were completely trustworthy and should therefore have been believed. But Zechariah wanted more than the news he had already graciously been given. He wanted some further assurance that what he’d been told was true. [Luke 1:18]
But such a response, whilst perhaps understandable – for haven’t we all sometimes doubted God – is not the one that should be made.
But God, in His absolute sovereignty, is not hindered by our lack of belief — quite the opposite in fact, because rather than a prerequisite for God to bless us, our faith originates in Him. Far then from being something of our own doing, it is a gift of God, bestowed on us solely according to His sovereign grace. [Ephesians 2:8]
Which is why, though he was temporarily rendered mute for his all too apparent lack of faith, Zechariah still received the fulfilment of God’s promise to him. And despite not initially accepting the angel’s announcement, in time Zechariah still saw the child that he and his wife Elizabeth had been promised.
What’s more, given how he eventually gave his son the name he had been told to give him, and how he rejoiced in doing so, it seems clear from the text that Zechariah’s faith was one that subsequently increased – again a wonderful gift from the loving God who disciplines those he loves. [Hebrews 12:6]
Indeed, one might even regard his temporary muteness as the very sign Zechariah had asked for—albeit not in the form he expected—and therefore a loving act of discipline by the God whose grace is always more than sufficient, even for those whose faith is weak. [2 Corinthians 12:9]
Our hope then is found, not in our faith, but in God’s grace – a place where, because it is absolutely certain, it is altogether more sure.
As indeed is His Word – which, because it’s always true, can always be believed.
To read Day 4 from 2023, click here
To read Day 4 from 2024, click here
Some musings 