In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored: The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “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. 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.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin.”
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. 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. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” The angel left her. Luke 1:26-38
An angel appeared to Mary. His words troubled her. I find it interesting that she was not troubled that he appeared, but at his words. How did she process the appearance of an angel and his words? Did he appear as a man or in all his angelic glory? Scripture does not say. He told her to not be afraid…because of his appearance or his words?
Twice she heard that God favored her. Because of that favor, He gave her the honor of being the mother of the Messiah.
She asked how it would happen, not out of doubt, but seeking information. She believed him, even though it had never happened before.
When we look at another announcement of a birth, Gabriel also appeared to Zechariah (Luke 1:5-20) and told him about John. While Mary had asked for information, Zechariah responded in doubt and wanted a sign. “How can I be sure of this?” He had the example of Abraham and Sarah and yet he doubted.
Mary believed even though there had been no precedent, Zechariah knew God had provided several “miracle babies” to couples over the ages, yet doubted. In his defense, God had been silent a lot of years. Perhaps his faith had been dulled by unfulfilled expectations. Perhaps he lost hope that God would act in his lifetime.
But Mary believed. She took all that she knew of God, and decided that she could and would trust Him. “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” She had a faith that went beyond her five senses and she trusted God.
Lord, I desire a faith like Mary’s, a faith that trusts You completely. A faith that believes despite how the circumstances may appear. A faith that knows You will act in Your timing to bring about the very best for all of us.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
TRICIA LATHROP 