Luke 1.26-38:
Nazareth- a lot like our small rural town. Mary was living in parent’s home, learning to keep house and thinking of Joseph, marriage and children, having a house of her own. Just finished scrubbing up the dishes when SUDDENLY, there stood an angel. Not just any angel, but one of the three archangels -- Gabriel, sent to a virgin girl in the back waters of Israel.
A- You have found favor with God. (The word favor is Charin, which means that which affords joy). You bring joy to God.
M - *silence* greatly troubled and deliberated continually what this all meant.
A- Do not be afraid. You will give birth to the Messiah (OT prophesies and promises to be fulfilled)
M- How? I’m a virgin not yet married.
A- The Holy Spirit will come and God the Father will envelop you as the shadows of night cover the earth. And this will be a sign for you. Elizabeth will also have a child, even though she is old. (Brings to mind another story: Abraham and Sarah). For nothing is impossible with God.
M- May it be so.
So Mary visits Elizabeth. She’s six months pregnant. And as soon as Mary comes in the door, the HS fills Elizabeth’s mouth with praise. Blessed are you among women, Mother of my Lord. Mary must have been filled with wonder at the nature of her greeting. And her reply, sometimes called the Magnificant or the Song of Mary.
v. 45-55 And Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Mary’s story challenges us!
1. Do we bring glory to God or does He weep over our lives. He doesn’t expect the extraordinary; He just expects us to seek Him and love him. Can God say of you, “S/he brings me joy.”
2. Will I praise God, even when everything around me seems to be falling apart? Mary’s dreams seemed to be coming down around her, but she was willing to sacrifice her own hopes and dreams to answer the call of God. And in the midst of that seeming chaos, she praised God, and God brought her through.
