A MESSAGE FOR MARY
Luke 1:26-38
 When
the Angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced that she was going to have a
baby, she was understandably surprised! The people of Israel had not heard
from an inspired prophet for many years and in general, spiritually, things
were not going well, but things were about to change.
The message that came
to Mary through the angel Gabriel was a message of hope and ‘Good News’ for
the world.
However, the message that Mary received was also a personal message.
There
are three things that stand out as being significant:
-
A message from God (V26)
Firstly we notice that although the Angel Gabriel was the one who brought
the message, it wasn’t Gabriel’s message – it was from God Himself. Verse 26
in Luke Chapter 1 tells us that “Gabriel was sent from God”. Just like Mary,
we too can hear from God. The problem is we live in a world where we hear
many voices and many messages but unfortunately they are not all from God.
Because God is sovereign He can speak to us in a variety of ways but we do
need real wisdom, God’s wisdom, as we discern what is from God and what is
not. Fortunately, God has not left us floundering, although He does speak to
us in a variety of ways, primarily He speaks to us through His word, the
Bible.
We can trust the word of God!
-
A confirmation of God’s presence (V28)
We also notice that in verse 28, as Gabriel shares this incredible message
with Mary, he gives Mary confidence by telling her that, the Lord was with
her. Mary was obviously a godly young woman but she needed confirmation of
God’s presence as she took in the incredible nature of Gabriel’s message,
not the least being the fact that she was a virgin and was going to conceive
in her womb and bear God’s Son who would be a Saviour and a king! It is also
helpful for us to have a similar confirmation of God’s presence as we seek
to serve God. This confirmation comes to us again through His word, Hebrews
13:5 “I will never leave you or forsake you”, James 4:8, “Draw Near to God
and he will draw near to you” (NASB). As we trust God in faith, we have full
assurance of his presence regardless of our circumstances.
-
A statement of God’s favour (V30)
In verse 30 of Luke chapter 1 Gabriel says, “Do not be afraid Mary; for you
have found favour with God” (NASB) – what a beautiful statement! In the
Greek text this statement refers to Mary being a recipient of God’s grace.
God’s favour, God’s grace was upon Mary in a special way. Why? – because
Mary was God’s choice in bringing His Son into the world? Yes, but God also
knew Mary’s heart. She was open to God’s will and wanted to please Him. This
was proof of God’s grace at work in Mary’s life. Everyone who has trusted
the Lord Jesus as Saviour has received God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8 tells us,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God” (NASB). But the wonderful thing is this, that God’s
grace, God’s favour is still at work in our lives each day and as we stay
close to Him, as we abide in His word and obey His instructions, we too can
find favour with God.
Have a Blessed Christmas,
Rev Eadred Bryans & Members of Ballina Baptist
Church.
Please join us for our Christmas
Services
Sunday 24th December, Christmas Eve - 9.50 am & 5.50 pm
Christmas Day Service
Monday 25th December - 9.00am
Ballina Baptist Church,
Crn.
Kerr & Bentinck Street, Ballina, 2478, NSW, Australia.
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