Daily devotion – Mary’s example
Luke 1:26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
The angel Gabriel, who told John the Baptist’s father of the birth of his son John, appeared next to a virgin named Mary who was ‘pledged’ to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. This occurred in a small hamlet called Nazareth, located in Galilee, and took place in the 6th month of the pregnancy of Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth.
As with Zechariah, Gabriel told Mary, “…Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Then he proceeded to tell Mary – “…And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.”
From Gabriel’s first words to Mary it sounds as though Mary was being told what would happen without her having a choice on the matter. This is not so! Human beings are not automatons, but God knew Mary’s submissive spirit. Mary did ask however, “…How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
Mary’s question did not reflect a lack of faith; it was simply a request as to how this all would occur, since she was indeed a virgin.
Gabriel explained that the child would be conceived by God the Holy Spirit and therefore He would be called, “the Son of God”.
To help and encourage Mary at this time, Gabriel told Mary of her relative Elizabeth’s divinely provided pregnancy. Mary undoubtedly was aware of the misunderstanding and accusations she would face, but her response to Gabriel and the Lord is a model for all believers – “I am the Lord’s servant….May it be to me as you have said.”
This week plan to keep your days in God’s will at all times. Commit your day to Him each morning and night with the words that Mary spoke that eventful moment…, “May it be to me as you have said” …..and planned!