December 7, 2019 Scripture: Luke 1:26-38; Luke 1:46-56 The angel Gabriel comforted Mary's fear by telling her, "you are highly favored by God among (emphasis mine) women" (Luke 1:30). A remarkable woman, but God had no intention of putting her above. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Mary faced adversity after adversity, and yet responded immediately with a song of praise and a thankful servant-like heart. Mary understands there is a bigger picture rather than giving in to fear. Let's step back and take a closer look at what we know about Mary's story: - 400 years of silence. God had not spoken to Israel in 400 years.
- Roman rule and oppression from governing officials was rampant.
- Mary was young, most likely 14-17 years old when she birthed Jesus, scholars say.
- She was poor and probably one of the poorest of the poor (her turtle dove offering at the temple was an indication of this).
- She was betrothed to Joseph when Gabriel appeared to her.
- Gabriel did not tell Joseph about this baby until months later.
- Mary was not sure if Joseph would follow through with marriage and could have faced death if he called off the betrothal due to her pregnancy.
- Would anyone believe her when she shared that the Holy Spirit is The Father of her first born?
and yet...
Mary called herself blessed in that moment and composed a song about it.
Elizabeth (Mary's relative) called Mary blessed.
Both women were filled with the Holy Spirit when expressing this. See Luke 2:35; 2:41-42
In her shoes, would you have thought of yourself as blessed? Who, in your life, is blessed but on the surface it does not appear that way?
What does it mean to be blessed?
Does blessed mean rich? Is it a Christian form of lucky? Comfortable? Just good things? Please spend a moment to really consider this.
Look at Mary's song (Luke 1:46-56)
Mary claims God has blessed her. He made a way where there was none. He is good at that. Mary knew. She immediately set aside her fears of being a social-outcast or having her reputation scarred and instead claimed God's blessing.
Mary was blessed because her soul chose worship. She practiced gratitude. Mary chose to sing a joyful song. She desired to be a servant of God. Truly, Mary understood servanthood. Mary was blessed because her perspective was right. She chose to look at her circumstances through the lens of God's promises which she was clearly familiar with. How did she know God's promises? She studied regularly. She had consistent fellowship with His Word.
When God looks at your heart, what does He see? Do you worship (all your actions), with a grateful heart? What has 'blessed' meant to you, and has your definition shifted today? Think about what you are going through right now. Are you blessed? Does your life reveal that truth?
Sister, you are in my thoughts today. You and I have a great God who is constantly pursuing us. The greek word used in Luke 2:30 "charitoo" to describe Mary is the same word used in Ephesians 1:6 about YOU. Let's worship him in all that we do in response.
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