THE ANGEL GABRIEL VISITS MARY
So in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin who was engaged to be married to a man descended from King David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin's name was Mary.
When Gabriel appeared to her he must have great joy in his heart when he said, "You, Mary have remarkable favor with God and the Lord is with you!" I'm positive Mary must have been a bit distraught, confused, and a little frightened, because Gabriel told her to "fear not -- God has decided to wonderfully bless you!" LUKE 1:30
A VIRGIN CONCEIVES
Gabriel continued, "Very soon now you will become expectant and have a baby boy, and you are to give him the name, JESUS!" He shall be absolutely noble and shall be called the Son of God.
And the Lord God shall give him the throne of his ancestor, King David. Jesus will reign over Israel forever; his kingdom shall be never ending!" Still, Mary, had an relevant question for the angel, "How can I have a baby, for I am a virgin?"
THE PROMISES OF GOD
Gabriel quickly answered Mary, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born of you will be perfectly holy - the Son of God. Moreover, six months ago your Aunt Elizabeth, who was called 'the barren one,' became pregnant in her old age! And, every promise from God shall unquestionably come true!"
Mary was young, but she speedily said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am prepared to do whatever he wants. May everything that you have told me come true," and with that Gabriel was gone!
MARY'S REACTION WAS PURE
Although Mary must have been shaken and wondering what was subsequently a great surprise to her, she was mature and faithful to her Lord when she accepted what Gabriel had to tell her! She had listened and accepted all that Gabriel had to tell her, and without a moments thought she was willing and ready to obey God!
She had accepted it all plainly and said, "I'm the Lords maid, I am ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say." Shortly afterwards, Mary being the younger of both herself and Elizabeth rose up and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; to visit with her Aunt Elizabeth.
READY TO SERVE
Mary was prepared to serve the Lord immediately and without questioning that which was told and what she would do. I believe this is how God desires our lives to be, 'ready and willing' to do what He asks of us!
For when God gives us something to do -- even though it may seem impossible we must remember, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD! May we each be prepared to serve our Lord!
BELOW:
COME THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING
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