Accepting God's Plan
God chose a very special girl to be the vessel to birth the Savior. We don’t know much about Mary, but what little we’re told in the Bible reveals a lot about the heart of this young woman. The Bible says Mary was “highly favored.” Another version states “highly chosen.”
The birth of Jesus is a well-known story throughout the world. If you do not know the historical account, you can read it here: Luke 1:26-45
The Bible says “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.” “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45
When Mary heard the unexpected news that she would give birth to the Son of God, she asked one logical question. “How can this be,” she said?
The angel gave her a simple answer, “by the Holy Spirit.”
She didn’t have a follow-up question. Not one. She knew who the Holy Spirit was and received what God had prepared for her.
I would like to think I would respond like Mary, but in all honesty, if I were thrown into the same situation, I imagine one of the first things that would have flowed out of my lips would have come from a heart of selfishness. I can picture myself trying to convince God to do things that would provide a different narrative.
She could have asked God to wait until she married the man she was already engaged to. From all appearances, if the news was spun at just the right time, a scandal may be avoided. She wouldn’t have to endure the shame and ridicule that would follow.
It seems logical to at least ask God to protect her reputation. Mary did none of that. She didn’t spend those precious moments with God’s messenger trying to devise an alternate plan. From all accounts, Mary responded righteously and unselfishly.
Her response reveals a heart that is totally devoted to the Lord. I believe it also reveals a woman who knows what scripture says. She would have known the prophecy of the coming Messiah. This message to her confirmed the Messiah was coming through her.
She was a woman who was trusting God with her life. Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38
I want to have a heart like Mary and faith in God to receive whatever he says is coming my way. Even if the situation is socially or politically unacceptable.
How can you make Mary’s story personal to you:
Looking back at the story, notice the point Mary was troubled and confused.
Are you surprised at the point in which she found herself alarmed? “Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her...“ Luke 1:29-30
Do you think Mary experienced peace upon hearing the angel’s words, “don’t be afraid?” Personally, I do. When she was given the unexpected news it does not state she was alarmed a second time. She simply accepted God’s plan for her life. Have you been able to do the same?
If God were to give you news that could potentially embarrass you and your family, what do you think would be your first reaction?
What would be the first question you would ask God?
When receiving news that could potentially turn your world upside down, do you think you could say to God without debate, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:38
During difficult times, have you been able to sing praises to God like Mary did?
Recognize the glorious plans God has put in place for your life.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Mary’s heart flowed with unselfish praise.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
Luke 1:46-56
Photo by Jamie Coupaud on Unsplash