An invitation that made the impossible into reality…
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name [was] Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored [one], the Lord [is] with you; blessed [are] you among women!” But when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke 1:26-33 NKJV
I don’t think anyone can prepare themselves to receive an announcement like this. What reactions would we have? Fear. Awe. Confusion. Joy? Imagine a young woman kneading bread in a bowl, or repairing the hem on a tunic, or stirring a pot of stew when the sun walks into the room. The brightness of a heavenly messenger with a most unexpected announcement: she would be the mother of the promised Messiah!
As a devout Jew, Mary must have learned about the prophecies of the Messiah. How He would be a king, born in Bethlehem from a virgin. Mary was one ordinary girl among millions in Israel, yet God saw something special in her.
Through the angel Gabriel, He invited this young woman to participate in His divine plan. Mary’s response gives us a clue about her faithful, courageous character: She didn’t doubt God. She said yes.
Many great men of faith balked at God’s invitation to participate in His plans: Moses and Gideon were both leaders and saviors of the Hebrews, but they argued with God. How could I be the one you chose, Lord? I am weak, I am lowly. Why me?
Mary could have taught these men a thing or two. When faced with God’s outstretched invitation, she accepted that God could make the impossible into reality.
She said yes, and became the mother of the King of kings.
Very amazing! I wonder who her parents were to have taught her so well. I wish we knew more about her.