Session 3: Mary's Trust
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Embrace God’s call on your life. In today’s study, Mary provides an example for all of us to mirror. As we will see, God doesn’t always remove obstacles in our paths, but He does walk with us and give us the courage we need to keep going. Mary exemplified the courage we can have as she trusted God’s plan for her life at such a tender young age.
Embrace God’s call on your life. In today’s study, Mary provides an example for all of us to mirror. As we will see, God doesn’t always remove obstacles in our paths, but He does walk with us and give us the courage we need to keep going. Mary exemplified the courage we can have as she trusted God’s plan for her life at such a tender young age.
Let’s look at
Let’s look at Luke 1:26-30
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
What is the sixth month referring to?
What is the sixth month referring to?
The announcement came in the sixth month (1:26) of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
1:26–27. The announcement came in the sixth month (1:26) of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
What about Nazareth? Go to
What about Nazareth? Go to John 1:43-46
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
The region was “not notable.” The city was actually more of a rural village, and the best estimate of Nazareth’s population at that time is that it had no more than 150-200 people.
The region was “not notable.” The city was actually more of a rural village, and the best estimate of Nazareth’s population at that time is that it had no more than 150-200 people. Nazareth would some kind of Judean affiliate center in Galilee and therefore to those who did not like current Jerusalem leaders (or Jerusalem at all) Nazareth’s Judean ideological affiliation was a clear negative. The most astonishing and world-altering event in human history, the incarnation of the Son of God, was going to happen, not in a great city or region of power, but in the obscure and humble locations of Nazareth and Bethlehem.
Picture it: The most astonishing and world-altering event in human history, the incarnation of the Son of God, was going to happen, not in a great city or region of power, but in the obscure and humble locations of Nazareth and Bethlehem.
This keeps with the theme throughout Scripture of how God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble
Notice that Luke uses the term “virgin” twice in verse 27, ensuring his readers understand the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Remind class of what it meant to be betrothed back then: Go to .
“If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her,
23 “If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry for help though she was in the city, and the man because he violated his neighbor’s wife. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
A bethrothal is a public ceremony before witnesses by which a man and woman were legally considered married but did not live or sleep together. At this stage the bride price had already been paid to the woman’s family, and the man had legal responsibility for the woman. This engagement could be broken only through divorce.
What do we know about Gabriel?
GABRIEL (Gāʹ brĭ ĕl) Personal na-me meaning “strong man of God.” The heavenly messenger who interpreted to Daniel the meaning of the vision of the ram and the goat. He appears four times in the Bible, each time bringing to human beings a message from the Lord. Twice he appeared to Daniel (; ). In the NT he appeared to announce the births of John the Baptist () and Jesus.
15 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” 17 So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.”
18 And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up. 19 He said, “Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of the indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end. 20 As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the goat is the king of Greece. And the great horn between his eyes is the first king. 22 As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his nation, but not with his power. 23 And at the latter end of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their limit, a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise. 24 His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints. 25 By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand. 26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now.”
27 And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.
20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
24 “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. 25 Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 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.”
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Notice that Luke only alludes to as opposed to Matthew specifically pointing it out. Why the difference do you think?
Notice that Luke only alludes to Isaiah 7:14 as opposed to Matthew specifically pointing it out. Why the difference do you think?
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Who was Luke’s main audience? Traditions report that Luke was a companion of Paul, a physician and therefore someone learned in Greek or Hellenistic literary and scientific culture who may not have been as well-versed in OT Scripture.
Who was Luke’s main audience? Traditions report that Luke was a companion of Paul, a physician and therefore someone learned in Greek or Hellenistic literary and scientific culture who may not have been as well-versed in OT Scripture.
The wording in Verse 28 can be seen with Gideon in and the words Gabriel says to Daniel in .
Some manuscripts add “Blessed are you among women” to verse 28 such as KJV. This is due to which Greek manuscripts were used for the translation.
lk1.28
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
The wording in Verse 28 can be seen with Gideon in Judges 6:12 and the words Gabriel says to Daniel in Daniel 9:23. Some manuscripts add “Blessed are you among women” such as KJV.
23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
Why do you think Mary was troubled in ? Was it a “woe is me” type trouble? Compare to Zechariah in
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.
Why do you think Mary was troubled in verse 29? Was it a “woe is me” type trouble? Compare to Zechariah in Luke 1:12
Luke uses the Greek word Siata-paxthe, the only appearance of the word in the New Testament.
It describes something thoroughly stirred up, confused, and perplexed. A divine messenger should be enough to stir up confusion in a young teenager. An angel who promises a special audience with God is even more confusing.
Luke uses Siata-paxthe, the only appearance of the word in the New Testament. It describes something thoroughly stirred up, confused, and perplexed. A divine messenger should be enough to stir up confusion in a young teenager. An angel who promises a special audience with God is even more confusing. So Mary stirred these thoughts around in her mind, trying to find a meaning to them and the steps to take in light of them. She had never received such a greeting! What was she to make of it?
So Mary stirred these thoughts around in her mind, trying to find a meaning to them and the steps to take in light of them. She had never received such a greeting! What was she to make of it?
The heavenly messenger understood her troubled mind, so the angel repeated the comforting words Zechariah had heard (v. 13): Do not be afraid.
1:30. The heavenly messenger understood her troubled mind, so the angel repeated the comforting words Zechariah had heard (v. 13): Do not be afraid.
Let’s move to
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
Think back to when you were 14 or 15 years old. Can you imagine how overwhelming this must have been for Mary?
Think back to when you were 14 or 15 years old. Can you imagine how overwhelming this must have been for Mary?
You will conceive a child – yet you are a virgin and betrothed (shame – possible stoning)
You will conceive a child – yet you are a virgin and betrothed (shame – possible stoning)
You will call His name Jesus (Yahweh is Salvation)
He will be the Son of the Most High
You will call His name Jesus (Yahweh is Salvation)
He will be given the throne of David and rule forever – meaning she will carry the child of the Davidic covenant. What an awesome responsibility!
He will be the Son of the Most High
He will be given the throne of David and rule forever – meaning she will carry the child of the Davidic covenant. What an awesome responsibility!
Is it any wonder she would be troubled by all of this?
Is it any wonder she would be troubled by all of this?
The title Most High is referenced throughout Scripture.
This name for the true God comes from , where Melchizedek, king of Salem, identifies Yahweh as “God Most High”.
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,
It became a common title for the Lord among the monotheistic Israelites see ; , alluding to ; .
48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.
27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!
6 But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him?
In ; , it is the title for God that both Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar hold in common.
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire.
24 this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king,
34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,
for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
John is the “prophet of the Most High”
John is the “prophet of the Most High” Luke 1:76
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
In verse 33 Gabriels states that his kingdom “there will be no end”. Gabriel again alludes to the Davidic covenant, but this allusion also evokes messianic imagery from
in verse 33 Gabriels states that his kingdom “there will be no end”. Gabriel again alludes to the Davidic covenant, but this allusion also evokes messianic imagery from
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.
Compare Mary’s response in verse 34 to Zechariah in and Abraham in . Are they really that much different? Why was Zechariah the only one punished?
We have to look further in each. What did Mary say in v.38? What did Abraham do in ?
We have to look further in each. What did Mary say in v.38? What did Abraham do in Genesis 17:23-27? They are recorded as obeying God. No such vese in response is recorded for Zechariah
Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
They are recorded as obeying God. No such vese in response is recorded for Zechariah
Unlike Zacharias’s, Mary’s response was not an expression of disbelief but only a question of process—How can this be? (1:34).
While the angel had been relating the transcendent significance of this child, Mary had been stuck on the first point—the matter of her pregnancy! Unlike Zacharias’s, Mary’s response was not an expression of disbelief but only a question of process—How can this be? (1:34).
Let’s move to
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Verse 35: “This child will be called Holy” What do you believe that to mean about this child? Look at ; ; ;
This indicates He will be (fully) man and the Son of (fully) God.
Holy Child (1:35) indicates, among other things, that this child would not possess a sin nature and was holy from the moment of conception.
This indicates He will be (fully) man and the Son of (fully) God (1:35c). Holy Child (1:35) indicates, among other things, that this child would not possess a sin nature and was holy from the moment of conception. Therefore indicates that Jesus’ holiness derives from his being conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore indicates that Jesus’ holiness derives from his being conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Though Jesus was a genuine human being, he did not inherit a sinful nature and disposition from Adam, as all other human beings do (cf. ; ; ; ; by contrast, ; ).
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
This indicates He will be (fully) man and the Son of (fully) God.
Holy Child (1:35) indicates, among other things, that this child would not possess a sin nature and was holy from the moment of conception.
Therefore indicates that Jesus’ holiness derives from his being conceived by the Holy Spirit.
1:36–37. Mary’s was not the only divine miracle. Elizabeth the barren one would be Elizabeth the rejoicing mother. Her six-month pregnancy verified that God was at work again in mysteriously wonderful ways. He does the impossible. Then and now!
Verse 37 is from , referring to the Lord’s response to Sarah
14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Go to and then look again at verse 38. Is there anything similar here between mother and child?
41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
The Lord’s female slave Mary indicates that she is willing to do whatever God requires of her.
In humble submission, Mary was now ready to serve God and follow his will.
In humble submission, Mary was now ready to serve God and follow his will.
1:38 Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. The section ends with Mary’s example of true discipleship, in submission to God’s word and promise.
John 1:14 ESV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Lottie Moon Connection
Lottie Moon Connection
During this season, as our church focuses on the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, we look at the life of Lottie Moon and how it ties into to our Sunday school lesson. In our study today, we see Mary being obedient to God and trusting in Him completely as she indicated in .
At the age of 32, she felt the call of God to go from the world she knew and move to China to join her sister to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. She trusted in God’s plans for her life and, while maybe not understanding how everything would unfold, it was her trust that made her take that first step.
By living a life of trust in God, we celebrate the fruit of her labor with this seasonal offering to support international missions and those who give up everything they know to trust in God for their life just as Lottie did so many years ago.
Lottie gave up much—a potential spouse and a life of comfort, the loss of her sister later on, and the loss of many co-laborers—to remain faithful to the call on her life.
If we glimpse ahead at the prophetic words of Simeon in , we see Mary will also experience extreme pain and sorrow
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
A brief scene after the birth of Jesus in Luke's gospel shows a prophetic word for Mary that likewise, included pain and sorrow.
Both Mary and Jesus Suffered Immensely in Order to See God’s Will Accomplished
The scene above described a glimpse into the difficulty Jesus endured in those moments before his arrest that would lead to the cross. A brief scene after the birth of Jesus in Luke's gospel shows a prophetic word for Mary that likewise, included pain and sorrow.
Luke 2:33–35 ESV
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Takeaways
Takeaways
Think about this prophecy by Simeon. The time of dedication at the temple was a joyous occasion, and rightly so. However, God sent Mary a reminder, via Simeon, that Jesus’ had a role and a purpose that would involve suffering for them both. She would experience a “heart piercing moment” when she watched her Son pour out His life on the cross for the sins of the world. The Christmas Carol, “What Child is This” alludes to this role when it says:
This prophecy concerning ramifications surrounding her child also is echoed in the lyrics of the Christmas carol we are examining. Notice these lines from the second stanza.
"Nails, spears shall pierce him through, the cross he bore for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary."
This is why Jesus was in agony emotionally, mentally, spiritually and soon would be physically when praying in the Garden about the mission He was called to complete.
Fulfilling God’s will for your life will require you to exercise trust in your Heavenly Father and His plan. Are you as willing as Mary?
Both his heart and hers would be pierced from the cross experience. This is part of the answer to…What child is this?
I can only imagine she heart and mind went back to this prophecy made some 30 years earlier when she was standing by the cross. The Gospel of John reminds us of this event . . .
Fulfilling God’s will for your life will require you to exercise trust in your Heavenly Father and His plan. Are you as willing as Mary?
Follow Jesus requiresyou to exercise FAITH and TRUST in a loving Heavenly Father, even when YOU do not understand.
Both Mary and Jesus demonstrated trust in the Father’s plan. As already mentioned she said in
Luke 1:38 ESV
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
She knew this may mean misunderstanding, shame, ridicule and inconvenience. However, none of that was more important than doing God’s will. She loved God so much she was willing to present herself as a living sacrifice to God. Even though it made no sense to her biologically, she still yielded herself to God and said, “God here I am. I am Your willing vessel. You want to use me, even though it will cost me, I am YOURS!”
Let’s ask ourselves a pointed question this morning. Are we willing to TRUST our Heavenly Father’s plan? I hear people say all the time, “I don’t want to move away from my kids” or “I don’t want my kids to move away from me.” But what if that’s the Father’s plan? What if the role He has for YOU to play in HIS kingdom involves you leaving your comfort zone or involves the children He has allowed you to borrow for a time, to serve Him in a third world country?
What if His plan costs you financially? I know the health and wealth preachers try to paint this picture that serving God and having great faith will lead to a life of financial ease. Not necessarily. There were times in Jesus’ ministry that He said He didn’t even have a place to lay His head.
Dear friend, if you follow Jesus it will require you to exercise FAITH and TRUST in a loving Heavenly Father, even when YOU do not understand.
Fulfilling God’s will for your life will always include a blessing and benefit for someone else
When You Cannot See God’s Hand You Can Trust God’s Heart
Fulfilling God’s Will for Your Life Will Always Include a Blessing and Benefit for Someone Else
If you know Christ as YOUR Lord and Savior today YOU are blessed because He fulfilled the Father’s will.
As one song said, “Mary wrapped a present for the world.” Because Mary fulfilled God’s plan for her life, she experienced blessings beyond measure. I’m talking about blessings that money cannot buy. Blessings like having the privilege and opportunity to raise, nurse, teach, train, hug and hold the Son of God. But these blessings overflowed to Joseph, and the rest of Mary’s children who would be born later. The blessings overflowed to Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. Because of Mary’s obedience her family and community were blessed and benefited from knowing and rubbing shoulders with the Son of God.
Because of Jesus’ obedience to His Father’s plan and His willingness to lay down His life, the whole earth would be blessed! If you know Christ as YOUR Lord and Savior today YOU are blessed because He fulfilled the Father’s will.
Don’t think that what you are doing for the cause of Christ is insignificant or overlooked. Your obedience always in some way blesses and benefits others.
But remember, when YOU fulfill the Father’s will, YOU aren’t the only one that is blessed and benefited by those choices. Others who look to you as an example, others who are following in your footsteps, others who are counting on you are blessed beyond measure as well. Don’t think that what you are doing for the cause of Christ is insignificant or overlooked . . . you obedience always in some way blesses and benefits others.
Self-Reflection
Self-Reflection
What call of God continues to shape your life?
