Faith Survivor Christmas

The status of mankind

Bible is queit about the period between OT and NT i.e before Jesus’ birth. But the status was complicated. A tainted relationship between God and mankind. Even after so many chances mankind discobeyed God and lost focus about who we are and so on.

However, like we all say, GOD IS GOOD. He wants to save the mankind from the clutches of sin and a saviour needs to be involved. Here comes the highlight of God’s love —He sends His own son to the world. He gave us HIS BEST becuase God loves us. There is no better way to descibe this In many movies we see scripts like these where the villian kidnaps the hero’s son or daughter and threatens to kill them if his demands are not met.

This love culminates at the cross where he sacrificed OWN son, in whom he was fully pleased, whom He loved Jn 3:16.

This is the genereal context of Jesus’s birth. It gave access to God the father, through Jesus Christ. This is why we pray “in the name of Jesus we ask”

In this God’s grand plan - there are tons of lessons to learn and know deeper about God and His heart.

for instances, fot this grand plan, He choose a humble place and person to begin. Today we will learn a little lesson from this humble person God choose.

Lets read Luke 1:26-38

I want to bring your attention to the verse 38 இதோ, நான் ஆண்டவருக்கு அடிமை, உம்முடைய வார்த்தையின்படி எனக்கு ஆகக்கடவது என்றாள்.

The New International Version Chapter 1

I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Humble servanthood

This is very obviosuly seen in Mary’s attitude. Nowadays, few ministers who obey God’s call don’t have a clue about what is being humble at all. It has become from bad to worse. Mary did not put conditions, did not seek acknolwedment, or calculate whats the blessing for her in it. She simply submits as a servant.

The greek word implies a much harsh word than “servant” — slave girl.When God sends His messenger, and let Mary know about this huge news, all she says, is that she is God’s servnat and will do whatever is asked of her. Humbly accepting God’s call and word. This season, humble yourself in your response to God’s call. Humble yourself responding to other. Its one of the qualities God likes and will be pleased by it.

How can i be so sure about this? Lets read Luke 1:46-56

Can you count how many verses directly or indirecly connect humblesness?

By the way, why is Mary’s immediate acceptace so important? lets read Dt 22:23-24

Mary submitted herself to God’s will even at the cost of death.

Let’s turn to Dt 22:23-24

The New International Version Chapter 22

If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, 24 you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you.

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary B. The Birth of Jesus Foretold (1:26–38)

Mary could not be sure that she would not have to suffer, perhaps even die. But she recognized the will of God and accepted it.

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary B. The Birth of Jesus Foretold (1:26–38)

She was not yet married to Joseph. His reaction to her pregnancy might have been expected to be a strong one and Matthew tells us that he did in fact think of divorcing her (Matt. 1:19). Again, while the death penalty for adultery (Deut. 22:23f.) does not seem to have been carried out often, it was still there. Mary could not be sure that she would not have to suffer, perhaps even die. But she recognized the will of God and accepted it.

Mary Submitted to God’s will IMMEDIETLY without any idea of where it will lead

It could cost her the engagement, her life and everything she had, but still she submitted immedietly.

How can we know she believed? May be she would have thought it was a dream or somthing.

No, its not the case, she believed and she was true in her humble surrender and obidience.

Lets read v39. “at that time” - the original translation also confirms that Mary got ready immedietly and went to see Elizabeth.

Its was a not the next house or street, it was aroud 80-90 mile journey. whihc woould take 3 days at that time.

Mary obeyed gladly

if we read the verses from 46-56, it was one of the very few song in the Bible that are sung by the women. Mary was greatful for what the Lord has done.

we may think - why wouldn’t she be happy? She is all set to become a remarkable person in the history of Humankind.

She didnt know any of it. There is no way she could have know all that has happened after that. remember, Mary was a human, a humble , ordinary human like you and me. Her gratitude, gratefulness and obedience stems from the Love and fear towards God and not the benfits that is attached to it. But today, we hardly are able to remove the proivdence from our prayer, from worship, praise, faith and everything that is spiritual to most of us are linked to just one aspect of God —the provider. We seek and pray for a trouble free life. Anything happens, we question. we start to caluate.

Infact, Jesus’ birth narrative itself is a proof that Christian life is not a life of smooth sailing. The birth of Messiah itself was humble, tried and tested. what are we, mere disobidient people. Yet Lord doesn’t forsake us. He knows us. He loves us, she still protects and provides. Its us who never cease to ask. Never satisfied by anything. yet He gave His best for us. This shows God’s love. so pure and powerful love.

This Christmas, let us conduct ourself as Mary conducted herself in the midst of God’s work even when she had very little understanding of where it will lead.

let us thank God for giving His best to us.

Let us thank God giving us a saviour and free us from all our bondages, sins and curses.

In whatever the call may be in our life. (Ministry or IAS, or doctor, or house maid, fishermen, teacher) conduct like how mary did. Obey like she did.

Surrender with a humble heart

Surrender at all cost

surrender immedietly

Surrender Gladly.