delayed singing

Luke 1 is an interesting chapter. I don’t often read the whole thing at once, because it’s quite long, so it was a nice experience this morning to see something new in these very familiar verses. What I see is a story of two blessings, and two singers, with a strong contrast between the two.

First we read of Zechariah, who learns from an angel while working in the inner temple that his dream is about to come true. Zechariah and Elizabeth are about to have their long-desired son, at a point when they’d bout given up hope. Zechariah was so overjoyed he composed and sang a song.

Then we get the story of Mary, told by the same angel that she will be the mother of Jesus. This wasn’t something Mary wanted; in fact, it was likely to make a mess of her life. But she too made up a song and sang it.

Here’s the contrast though. When Zechariah was told his news, this is his response, from verse 18: “Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’” As a result, Zechariah doesn’t sing for most of a year, until after his son is born, because he was struck dumb for his doubt.

Mary, on the other hand, immediately said this, in verse 38: “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” She then immediately went to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, and sang her song right away. She got to celebrate right away.

Doubting Zechariah responded in verse 18 and didn’t sing until verse 67. Willing Mary responded in verse 38 and sang in verse 46. In the end, though, both God’s servants sang.