T-25: What's That?

Mary was rightly amazed at the words of Gabriel and was ‘troubled.’ The Angel, sensing her concerns, consoled her with a revelation that not only would she become pregnant and give birth but that her offspring would be the very Son of God who would ascend to the throne of her ancestors and reign forevermore.

At those words, Mary’s fears and concerns evaporated. My friend Scott Brady articulated this in this way… When the angel said fear not, her fear left ref. 1John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. When the angel was with Mary there was perfect love so therefore fear was no more. Also, When the angel says, you have found favor with God. Favor is a sweetness, loveliness, joy, a delight. We to can find favor with God when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We need to thank God for the love that drives out fear and gives us the sweetness, the loveliness, the joy and delight of God our Father.

Consider today’s text… Luke 1:34 (NIV)
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
[1]
The concept of Mary’s fears abating is revealed in the child-like question she posed to Gabriel. A four year old asks ‘why’ but a young teenager asks ‘how.’ And that is how Mary responded, she wanted to know ‘how will this be, since I am a virgin?’ Mary knew the mechanics of how pregnancy worked and she knew that she could not conceive according to the ways with which she knew. She was absolutely confident of her chastity and so posed a valid question.

As we know, however, Mary was not accounting for the divine. I have to wonder how many times God has sent messenger to me and I’ve discounted the message because of my own knowledge and assumptions, making no provision for the divine. In Mary’s response, I see a simple and peaceful faith displayed; one which I am to emulate. Instead of responding ‘that cannot be!’ I must be free to ask ‘how can this be done?’

In all my opportunities in life, I must be open, willing and vigilant for how God moves and how God answers prayers. I must not ‘box God in’ by my own understanding and I must not be fearful. I can imagine Mary with wide eyes and perhaps an arched eyebrow as she queries Gabriel. But in her there was no doubt, only healthy curiosity prefaced by an obedient faith. I want to be that way before my God when I’m facing my own troubles. Eyes wide with amazement at His power and no doubt whatsoever.

I can hardly wait for today to discover how God will cause me to put this newfound confidence to the test.

Regards,
Carl
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[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.