A Conversation Like No Other

N.T.#472 "A Conversation Like No Other"

Jan. 24, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

I wonder what Mary was doing whenever the angel Gabriel appeared to her with a special message from God. Was she doing household duties? Was she praying? we aren't told. Let's take a closer look at this unusual event in Mary's life:

• Twice Luke tells us in verse 27 that Mary is a virgin (an unmarried daughter), espoused or engaged to Joseph.
•  Mary was a virgin, waiting for the celebration of her vows, and the consummation of her union with Joseph. This meant that Joseph had chosen Mary to be his mate, entered a contract or formal agreement of engagement with her for marriage, signed and sealed it, and waited for the wedding ceremony, then a grand family feast. (Swindoll)
• All was ready as the couple awaited the betrothal period to be over as proof that Mary was not pregnant. All of this was important because Jesus was to have no earthly father. God caused Jesus to be implanted in Mary's womb, not a man.
• Then by a startling greeting, an angel appeared to Mary, out of the blue. 
• Gabriel gave Mary a greeting like no other-You are highly favoured, found grace and endued with special honor by the Lord. She was blessed among women.
• Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the son of God.
• When Mary saw the angel, she was troubled (to disturb wholly; agitate with alarm) at his words, Mary tried to think what the angel meant. (verse 29)
• I wonder if Mary was backing up away from Gabriel when he said again that she found favor with God. (verse 30)

God's blessing on Mary was that she would be the mother of the Messiah. However, that would bring her pain, from her peers in ridicule, her fiance' wo came close to leaving her, and her son would be rejected and murdered. Her submission to God's plan would bring the world's only hope, and our salvation. (Life Application Study Bible)

Is life getting difficult for you? Keep on following Jesus, my friend. Even when it is hard or uncomfortable, know that He will not forsake you.  Keep your focus on eternal things, kingdom work, and sharing the love of our Savior. You will be blessed when you

LET IT GROW 

Swindoll gives us 5 future facts which Gabriel revealed to Mary:

1. She will conceive and bear a son. (Isaiah 7:14)
2. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
3. He will be given the throne of David. (2 Sam. 7:16) and Judah. (Gen. 49:10)
4. He will be the Hebrew Messiah and King of Israel. (Ps. 89:36; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6)
5. His kingdom will endure forever. 

Matthew gave us the lineage of Joseph, Jesus's legal father, through the tribe of Judah. Luke gives us Mary's blood-line as a descendant of King David.  (chapter 3) All of this was very important to the Jews.

It is my hope that we can see how God had it all planned out. Mary and Joseph were very important in Jesus' life as He grew up. They trained Him in the Jewish traditions and worship. It is by faith that we believe Jesus to be virgin born, the son of God. Oh how He humbled Himself to come to earth in the form of a man so He could die on a cross in our place. 

LET IT GO 

We praise You Lord Jesus for all the blessing You have given to us.

We lift You up as King of kings and Lord of lords, the Messiah, Savior, and Redeemer.

Thank You that it is by faith that we are save, through grace.

Help us yield to Your plan for our life, letting go of the worldly things today.