Yesterday’s
reading in the Secret Place—which I
didn’t read until this morning—focused on Mary’s courage, from Luke 1:26 – 38. Manny Santiago's words got me thinking about my own courage or lack thereof.
How do I react to change, or even an
announcement of change? How do I react to strange?
What if an angel showed up in my kitchen or in my car on the way to work?
 |
| The Annunciation from the Nativity Story |
Mary’s
first reaction was to be “greatly troubled” and I surmise fearful, since the
angel’s next words start with, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” What enabled Mary to
move from “greatly troubled” in verse 26 to “bring it on” in verse 38? Why didn’t
Mary argue like Moses (Exodus 3 – 4) or nervously ask for proof like Gideon
(Judges 6)?
Some might
point out that Mary seems to be arguing or asking for proof when she says, “How
will this be since I am a virgin?” I think she’s asking for clarity. “Excuse
me, Mr. Angel. Did you mean I’m going to conceive this child after Joseph and I
get married? Or did you mean right now in some other way?” I think that’s a
reasonable question. Apparently, Gabriel agrees, because instead of striking
her mute like Zechariah earlier in the chapter, he explains.
I notice
four things in the scripture passage that suggest how Mary got past “greatly
troubled.” Three of them start with the letter “p.” I really wish all four did,
because I’m all about alliteration. But maybe the three explain the one.
God’s Favor,
featuring
God’s
Presence—The Lord is with you.
God’s
Power—The power of the Most High will overshadow you.
God’s
Promise—For with God nothing will be impossible. (1:37,
NKJV)
Gabriel
calls Mary “highly favored” and also tells her “you have found favor with God.”
Dictionary.com lists numerous shades of meaning for “favor” both as a noun and
verb, and I think these fit: the state of being approved or held in regard, excessive
kindness…; preferential treatment.
Let’s be
clear that usually when someone in scripture is favored and chosen, it’s not
for a trip to Disney, but for a difficult assignment. (No wonder Moses and
Gideon protested.) In nine or so months, Mary will hear this warning from the
old saint Simeon, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
(Luke 1:35)
Along
with God’s favor, Gabriel assures Mary she also receives God’s presence, power
and promise. It’s part of the favor package.
Now
here’s the best part: That favor package
is offered to all of us! When I’m confronted with change or strange or a difficult assignment from God, I also have access to God’s
presence, God’s power, and God’s promises upon promises upon promises.
I
hope I remember that. I hope you do, too.
26In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s
pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be
married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was
Mary. 28 The
angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was
greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to
her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you
have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and
you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of
the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign
over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this
be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel
answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your
relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be
unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the
Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the
angel left her.
(Luke 1, NIV, from www.biblegateway.com)
