Mary was a very young woman, possibly no older than 15, when the angel Gabriel gave her a life changing message: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. ~Luke 1:30-31
Although surprised by the news, Mary wholeheartedly submitted to the will of God. However, when Mary submitted to God's will, she was also submitting to the possible shame a premarital pregnancy would bring her. Nevertheless, despite the potential gossip, despite the possible rejection of friends, despite how Joseph might react to the news, Mary submitted herself to God. By her own confession in verse 38, she was first and foremost a servant of the Lord. Without complete understanding, yet with complete trust, Mary prepared herself to carry the promise of God to full term.
The messenger of God revealed to young Mary some wondrous truth about her child: He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.~Luke 1:32-33
Absolutely magnificent stuff, but we have to ask ourselves, how much did Mary really understand? Certainly she realized that this child would be special, but she could not have comprehended the significance of his mission or the ultimate sacrifice he would make. This would take time and further revelation. Regardless, Mary placed her confidence in God despite her lack of complete knowledge.
We can understand that, can't we? How many of us have said yes to God's leading without really knowing what we were getting ourselves into. That is the way of faith, though, is it not? Usually, it seems that God gives us just enough light to see the step in front of us, and when we are ready to make the next step, he directs the light a little further ahead. In this sense, we are like Mary. We may not understand the complete plan of God, but we harbor in our hearts the desire to carry the promise of God to full term.
Next time: Treasuring the wonders of God
Luke 1:28-38 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
No comments:
Post a Comment