Tag: Luke 1:26-33
A Word from God
Scripture reading for March 4: Luke 1
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and your shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”” Luke 1:26-33
Can you imagine the thoughts that went through Mary’s mind in this encounter with Gabriel, the angel sent from God’s throne? This angel was sent to a specific location and to a named individual and knew that that Mary was a virgin. He knew she was betrothed to Joseph, of the line of David. The angel understood Mary’s fear and bewilderment. The declaration that she was a ‘favored one’ and that the Lord was with her made her wonder and search for how to respond.
The next statement would really shake her world view: she was to become pregnant and bear a Son, but not any son, the Son of the Most High! This Son was to be given the Name Jesus and He would become a King ruling on the throne of David. His rule would be over all Jacob and His kingdom was eternal! Mary, seeking understanding, asked how this might take place since she was a virgin. The angel helped her see and understand with another clear Word from God: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God.” Mary responded in faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word.” Luke 1:35-38
How does this story of an angel visiting a virgin girl named Mary fit with your current world view? Is it comforting or fearful to know that God knows your name, location, family ties, and thoughts? Would you want to know God’s plans for you and your life and offspring?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You reveal Your knowledge and plans for us in ways we can understand and respond to. Thank You for the faith that Your Word brings to us to yield ourselves to Your will and plans. Have Your way in me today and each day fulfill Your plans in me and through me. Amen.
Gabriel greets Mary!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
Luke 1:26-33 “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Our God has plans established from before the foundation of the world. He is a master of watching over His Word to bring it to pass. Nothing is impossible with Him! Gabriel, the special messenger angel of God, was sent to Mary, a virgin who was betrothed in marriage. Both her and her husband were of the lineage of David. Gabriel greeted Mary with the title, “Favored one” and told her that the Lord was with her. Mary did not grasp what this greeting meant and was afraid. “Fear not” was the next instruction, and then the plan of God for Mary to conceive and bear a Son, calling His Name Jesus. This Jesus would be great and called the Son of the Most High! He would rule on the throne of David in an eternal kingdom. God would bring this to pass! Mary graciously offered herself to serve the Lord.
Luke 1:37-38 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing plan of the virgin birth and bringing Your Son Jesus into the world to show us Who You are and to reveal Your Word. Help me to be like Mary and willingly respond in faith to revelation of Your plans for my life. I believe that nothing shall be impossible with You and let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life, on earth as in heaven!
Numbers 24:15-17 “And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who see the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”