Scripture: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:35
Observation: This chapter details the message delivered by the angel Gabriel to Mary, the soon-to-be mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. She is a young teen with whom God has found great favor, and she chooses to surrender herself to the will of God the Father. The road ahead for both her and her betrothed, Joseph, will be a hard one as they are not yet married, but Mary has the faith that God will see her, Joseph, and the precious child she is carrying through it all.
Application: Life is full of surprises! Some are sweet and wonderful; some are difficult to endure, and when they cause apprehension, we must remember a few key lessons from Mary.
The first lesson is that questioning God is not a sin. Sometimes when we face situations that are unwanted and difficult to comprehend, we ask God, “Why?” The problem is that Christian culture has taught that we are not to question God, and if we do, it’s a terrible sin. This is not what Scripture indicates. Luke 1:34 shows Mary’s question to God, “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” A question to God doesn’t mean a lack of faith; it is a desire to understand. Mary was trying to grasp how this could happen since she was a virgin. At this time, Gabriel explains the conception would be divine, and Mary’s question was answered.
We must, however, remember a few things about questioning God. First, if we ask, we must be willing to listen to the answer and accept it whether we like it or not. Secondly, sometimes God chooses not to answer right away. God’s timing is often not the same as ours. In Habbakuk 2:3, God speaks to the prophet saying, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” I know when I pray and ask God something, I want a response immediately. That’s not how God usually works. Waiting on God grows our faith and trust in Him. Isaiah 40:31 states, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
The second lesson is that God’s allowance of events in our lives serves a divine purpose. We don’t always know what that purpose is. This is a time when we must trust the Lord. Mary did just that. While she and all of Israel were praying for a Messiah, this news (on the eve of her marriage to Joseph) was definitely not expected. However, Mary chose to trust God, surrender to His will, and accept His divine will for her life. Luke 1:38 records her response, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”
The third lesson is that God is a God of the impossible. While Mary hears everything the angel tells her, undoubtedly, it is a bit overwhelming. The angel then shares the miracle that God has done in the life of Zacharias and Elisabeth. Luke 1:36 are Gabriel’s words to Mary, “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.” This helps Mary remember that “…with God nothing is impossible.” (Luke 1:37). This comforts her heart and soul, and she humbly accepts the role that God has given her.
This time of year can bring unexpected happenings and a mixture of emotions as we are flooded with all the social gatherings, shopping, family get-togethers, times of solitude, financial worries, illnesses… the list goes on and on! It can certainly dampen the joy of the Christmas season. Let’s determine in our minds to be as Mary. We may ask God, “Why?”, but we must listen to His answer and trust Him to do the best for each one of us. His plan for our lives is perfect! We may not see where the road goes, but we certainly know Who walks with us!
With a heart determined to follow the Lord, we will be able to rejoice as Mary did after her visit with Elisabeth. “…My soul doth magnify the Lord,And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46-7). As we go through this Christmas season, let us also magnify the Lord and rejoice in God our Saviour!”
Prayer: Dear Lord, what a wonderful example in Mary! She honored You, trusted You, and obeyed You, and You blessed her greatly! Thank You for her example in Your Word. Help me, O God, to not be afraid to ask You “Why?”, but give me also a heart that is willing to accept Your answers… even if I am to wait for them. Help me to trust You completely in the outcome of every unexpected and even unwelcome situations. I know You always do what is best for me. Thank You for being my Father and loving me as You do. In Your beloved Son’s name, I pray. Amen.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is the Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Was heaven's perfect Lamb?
And the sleeping Child you’re holding
Is the great I AM!
(from “Mary, Did You Know” by Mark Lowry)
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“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” – Luke 1:31