By F. D. Adkins
Her heart raced, and she trembled in fear. Why is he calling me “highly favored one” and “blessed … among women”? Who am I that he would say this? I am just a young girl from a small village in the middle of nowhere.
He must have seen her hands shaking or maybe it was her pale blank expression, but he told her not to be afraid. Then this angel standing before her gave her the strangest news. He said she was going to have a baby, and she was supposed to name this baby Jesus. He was going to be the “Son of the Highest.”
With widened eyes, she looked at the angel in confusion. “How can I have a baby? I have never been with a man?” she humbly asked.
The angel told her that the “Holy Spirit would come upon her,” and then he reminded her that “…with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:28-37 KJV)
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Have you ever thought about why God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?
More than 700 years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah tells King Ahaz that a virgin will give birth to a son.
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 KJV).
Of course, Bible prophecy proves the truth of God’s Word, but I also believe that this is proof that God knew his plan for each of us from the beginning. Long before Mary was ever conceived, God knew she would be the mother of our Savior.
So, let’s think about Mary’s situation. She is betrothed to be married to Joseph, and they have never had relations with each other. An angel appears to her telling her she is going to have a baby, and not just any baby. She is going to give birth to the Son of God.
How did Mary not react?
- Mary did not think of her betrothal, and what Joseph would think.
- Mary did not worry what people would think about her.
- Mary did not cower at the fear of what people would say to her and about her.
- Mary did not say “No, I don’t want to do this.”
What was Mary’s reaction?
- Mary said, “… Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word….” (Luke 1:38 KJV).
Sure, this was Mary’s first reaction. But her faithful and humble attitude never changed. Look at these words spoken by Mary when she visits Elizabeth.
“…My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49 KJV).
Mary’s concern was not with the world. Her concern was pleasing God and being His faithful servant. Mary is a perfect example of Romans 12:2. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (KJV).
Mary had her eyes on God. She never questioned what God called her to do. Instead, she was gracious.
As we go into the Christmas season, let’s think of Mary’s example. Whatever God calls us to do, let’s react like Mary. Let us gladly answer, “…Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word….” (Luke 1:38 KJV).
