Favoured for the task ahead
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Prior to Mary’s pregnancy, God sent an angel to her to foretell the birth of Jesus and his impact on humankind. When appearing to Mary there are two things the angel says that I’m sure would have surprised and confused Mary; the angel greeted her as one who is highly favoured, and also declared that the Lord is with her. Given the journey that was about to unfold for Mary, these two reminders would have been so valuable.
“You who are highly favoured” – Mary had been chosen for this task by God. The plan for her life may have been daunting and unclear from her perspective, but in the midst of the challenges to come she could have confidence that God was at work in her life. God may not have shared his plan prior to that moment, but his favour was already there.
“The Lord is with you.” – In addition to being favoured, Mary is reminded that God is with her. I’m reminded of Isaiah 41:9-10: …I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Knowing Gods presence with us brings us hope in all circumstances.
While our lives look different to Mary, we have been created by God for good works which we should walk in. Each of us is called to be faithful to where God leads. As we do this, let’s be encouraged that God has a purpose for our lives, and that he is with us always!
Lord, thank you for the way you reminded Mary of your favour and presence. Please help me to trust and be obedient to your leading in my life, to be reminded of your good plans and constant presence and power with me. Amen.
Written by Ps. Andie Molteno