Unbelief Mutes the Church

In a recent Ears to Hear Network meeting, the contrast between Mary and Zechariah was highlighted by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1). The sharp contrast lies in their responses to the proclamations of the angel Gabriel. Zechariah was receiving the news that his prayers had finally been answered and he would become a father. It was the miracle he had longed for, cried out for, yet, when the promise of the answer came - he responds in unbelief. "How shall I know this?" 

Mary on the other hand, hasn't been praying for a child, hasn't been longing to be the mother of the Messiah, so this news is a total shift in the direction she expected her life to take. Yet when she hears the promise of Gabriel, her response is a faith-filled wondering, she then receives the calling and promise with surrender.

Soon after we have Mary's glorious song--sung in faith before she can physically feel the divine life moving  inside of her--a prophetic song that has become an anthem of worship for the Church through the ages. It's so full of the gospel, that at times it has been outlawed. However Zechariah, even though he was a godly man, a priest and an intercessor was silenced until faith could grow in his heart. 
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Like for Zechariah- unbelief will mute the Church; it has muted the Church where it has gained ground. However, faith, true faith, will give the Church--like Mary--a glorious, powerful, even-- irrepressible voice.