Bursting With Anticipation
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Bursting with Anticipation
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Introduction:
My Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends, as we gather this morning in the sacred space of worship, I invite you to lean in and listen to the whispers of God in our midst. Today, we dive deep into the text of Luke 1:26-38, a passage that draws us into the divine dance of promise and purpose. Here, we find the angel Gabriel delivering the most extraordinary news to a young woman named Mary—news that would change the trajectory of history.
Imagine, if you will, the scene: a young girl in Nazareth, perhaps daydreaming about her future, when suddenly, an angel appears. This divine messenger brings a message so profound that it requires a heart willing to embrace the unknown. My friends, in this moment, we witness the stunning intersection of human life and divine purpose.
My brothers and sisters let’s take a look at this word anticipation it is defined as excitiement, waiting eagerly for something you know is going to happen. The Bibical meaning of the word is looking forward to the future with excitement and the assurance that it will be good, regardless of what form it takes. It means that we look ahead to what is coming and believing with certainty and confidence that it will happen.
So, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the real preacher Jesus Christ I would love to submit a few things that will help us understand this season bursting with anticipation!
The Announcement of the Unexpected:
Gabriel greets Mary with words that echo through the ages: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” How often do we find ourselves caught off guard by the unexpected? Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, doesn’t it? Just when we think we have it all figured out, God intervenes. Mary was not anticipating this visit; she was not prepared for the divine call. Yet, this is the nature of God—He calls us in our ordinariness to fulfill His extraordinary plans.
Mary’s initial reaction is one of confusion and fear. “What does this mean?” she asks. Like Mary, we often stand at the crossroads of uncertainty, unsure of how to respond to God’s call. But here’s the truth: God’s call is often wrapped in the unfamiliar. It’s in those moments of trepidation that we must anchor ourselves in faith.
Isaiah 55:8-9: ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29: “But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. 28 God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, 29 so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God.”
Acts 10:34: “Opening his mouth, Peter said: “Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality [to people as though Gentiles were excluded from God’s blessing].’”
The Invitation to Believe:
Gabriel’s message unfolds: Mary will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine the weight of that news? It’s not just about her becoming a mother; it’s about the birth of the Savior! Friends, God invites us into a relationship of belief. He calls us to trust Him even when the path ahead is shrouded in mystery.
Mary’s response is remarkable. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she says. In that moment, she embodies the essence of faith. It’s not just about understanding; it’s about surrendering. When we find ourselves bursting with anticipation for what God is about to do, we must also be willing to say, “Yes, Lord! Use me!”
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”
Romans 4:20-21: “But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, 21 being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”
The Power of Possibility:
Gabriel reassures Mary, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” This is the crux of our faith, beloved! When we align ourselves with God’s purpose, we unlock a world of possibilities. The challenges we face, the dreams we hold, the burdens we carry—none of them are too great for our God!
In our own lives, we may feel inadequate, overwhelmed, or unqualified. But God thrives in our weaknesses. He takes our “no’s” and transforms them into “yes’s.” Think about it: God chose Mary, a young girl, to bear the weight of the world’s redemption. He can certainly use you and me, no matter our circumstances!
Matthew 19:26: “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.”
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.].”
Conclusion:
As we reflect on this passage, I urge you to embrace the anticipation that God is stirring within you. Just as He called Mary, He calls each of us to participate in His divine narrative. What is God asking you to say “yes” to today? Where is He inviting you to step into the unknown with faith?
Let us leave this place bursting with anticipation, ready to embrace the unexpected, believing in the God of possibilities. May our hearts echo Mary’s response: “I am the Lord’s servant.”
And as we do, let us remember with God, all things are possible. Amen.