December 8, Obedient Submission

Luke 1:28-33   And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”  But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.   And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.   He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”   (ESV)

Promise:  God promised that the Messiah, Jesus, who was to reign forever was coming to earth through his servant Mary.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Omnipotence, Sovereignty, Compassion, Care, Knowledge of all things- Omniscience and His Eternal existence.

Promise provides me with:  hope, salvation, assurance of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind, knowledge that God uses his people for his work and his glory, knowledge that God cares about me and wants me to be unafraid and  knowledge that God keeps his promises as he sent Jesus just as He said He would.

     I had the privilege last March to visit the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary.  It was a sobering experience to visit this site and imagine the young girl, Mary, and how she must have felt when confronted by an angel.  The angel showed real compassion on her and told her not to be afraid.  God does not want us to be afraid and assures us that He has a plan and purpose for our future just as he did Mary.  God showed her favor and blessings as she obediently submitted to God’s will.  Do you submit willingly or do you fight and struggle with a rebellious heart?  Be like Mary, submit and open yourself to untold blessings this season as you get ready to receive the Christ child.

Blessings,

Linda

The home of Mary is now under the Church of the Annunication and below current ground level.  Over the centuries the level of the city has risen as homes were built upon homes.