In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (NIV) Luke 1:26-28
Have you ever wondered why God chose Mary? Of all the young Jewish girls, why was Mary singled out to be the mother of Jesus? From Luke 1:26-55 we learn that she found favor in God’s eyes, she was fearless, and she was full of faith.
FAVOR WITH GOD
. . . the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God (NIV Luke 1:30). She was highly honored, approved of by God. Mary was the type who “stood out.” She was a good Jew, obedient to God’s laws. And we know that she was a “worship-er” of God (Luke 1:46-55)
FEARLESS
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her (NIV Luke 1:35, 38). She was fearless, willing to accept the scorn of an accusatory society and an unbelieving nation (unmarried, pregnant women were stoned to death in that culture). She was fearless in following God!
FULL OF FAITH
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord (NIV Luke 1:45-46). Mary was full of faith, faith in the Mighty One who had done great things for her!
Would God say to you: “You have found favor in My eyes?” How have you been living a life that would be pleasing to God? What are you doing that would not find favor with God? Are you fearless? Willing to fearlessly and boldly do whatever God asks you to do? What is God asking you to do now that you are wavering due to fear? Are you full of faith? Are you familiar with the ways of God? Would others describe you as full of faith or just like everyone else? What do you need to do to increase your faith?
Will you be like Mary. . . fearlessly following God. . . seeking to live a life full of faith. . . and finding favor in God’s eyes? We pray that you will have a wonderful Christmas. . .one that is filled with joy and peace. . .one that is filled with an awe of His presence in your life. . . and one that is filled with favor from on High!
