Today is the day! Let’s begin our EXPLORING of Christ’s Birth.. start with the thought:
She Carried the PROMISE of HOPE! Do you??
I love the way God invites us into His story of Redemption, Love and Restoration, in Luke Chapter 1, through a 13/ 14 year old teenager, engaged yet a virgin, called Mary, who is unassuming, unknown, possibly for the most part unseen, living with family, going about her normal daily life, probably preparing for her upcoming marriage.
Ok, put yourself in her shoes, you’re this teenager, for this is the day of God’s appointed time for her, to reveal Himself and His plan of Redemption to her, and to you. His messenger is sent out from Heaven, to meet her, right where she is, in her own home.
Enter Gabriel Angel of the Lord who encounters teenager Mary, who you are. Selah, how would Mary feel? how do you feel? What are you thinking?
That’s exactly what happened for Mary, v28 The Angel of the Lord said “Shalom – favoured lady! Adonai (God) is with you”
Wow! Surely her response was of praise and awe at God’s goodness to meet with her? The Word of God says “she was deeply troubled by his words, and wondered what kind of greeting this could be” v29
Don’t you love it that God words things so we can get it and can relate? Of course she was deeply troubled and wondering what this means it’s not everyday an Angel of God turns up in your home right?
Yet, God’s not surprised or taken aback, He’s prepared with words of Truth, Courage and Life for Mary to receive, for her heart and mind to believe and agree to.
“Don’t be afraid Mary for you have found FAVOUR WITH GOD”Look! You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and you are to Name Him YESHUA, JESUS” “He will be great! He will be called The Son of Most High. The Lord will give Him the Throne and Kingdom that will never end” v30-32
This is the 2nd time favour is used by God. Let’s take note Favour means: God’s good pleasure on you, demonstrated delight, tangible evidence of the Lord’s approval, acceptance, blessing!
Wow!! Isaiah 66:2 “The kind of person on whom I look with favour, is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at My word“.
Oh Holy Spirit, make us women and men, Daughters, Sons, children of God, who walk in humility, tremble in honour and obedience at Your Word, so that we may receive and know Your Favour over us, Your delight demonstrated to us, as acceptance and approval of who we are Your Beloved. Hallelujah!
Mary was favoured by God and given favour, as are we. Back to the recount Mary probably stunned, like we would be if Angel of God turned up, goes ‘but how? I’m a virgin! She hears back’ But God!
“The Holy Spirit will cover over you, God’s power will cover you, therefore the Holy Child born to you will be called Son of God” v35 Selah here, read it all again.
Yes, But God is meeting, sharing, and prophesying His plan to her. She is needed, she is favoured, she is chosen by Him to carry the Seed of Hope, Carry the Promise, and Birth the Son of God, our Living Hope!
Mary, like us has a choice to make, will she agree and yield to God, His will and way, or not?
“I am the Servant of God, may it happen to me as you have said” v 38 “After her yes to God, the angel left her“.
Throughout God’s written story His heart and desire for Relationship with mankind is key! He is always looking, searching, seeking for the ones who will answer His call and invitation.
2 Chronicles 16:9″ The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him“
They say ‘here I am Lord” I’m willing, I’m all in, strengthen me, steady me, I’m Trusting You, Have my heart, use me Lord for Your Kingdom! Here I am! means: I love You! I am Yours Lord.
Do you live Here I am Lord? Right now, where might God be inviting you to live and speak Here I am Lord?
Mary lived this, and we know the outcome of FAVOUR and delight of Father God, the same is on offer to you, will you receive the invitation to do the same?
Let’s take a moment to be fully with the Lord, surrendered and yielded to Him in the quiet whole heart open, saying ‘ here I am Lord’ I love You may it be to me as You have said‘
My prayer as you do this, that like Mary, you will know, you carry the Promise of HOPE, you carry Jesus! Yes, you daughter/ son Carry the same Promise of HOPE, you carry Jesus! Hallelujah! Go and speak ‘Jesus’ to the neighbourhood, places God calls you too, living hope the world needs, is hungry for Hope, and you carry Hope, now go and release Jesus in those places and see what God wants to do.
Be full of Thanks and Praise, Giving Glory to the One who has saved you, will save you, and continually saves you.
Jesus, the Hope of the world.
Paula Blackie. Author/ Editor. Encounter Ministries
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