Scripture to Read: Luke 1:26–27
Gabriel, one of God’s archangels, delivered a message from God to Mary. Gabriel delivered the message in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the Baptist. Mary lived in a little city in Galilee called Nazareth. Nazareth was not particularly notable and was never mentioned in the Old Testament. Jesus, though, is forever identified with this place. In Scripture, Jesus is referred to as Jesus of Nazareth in Mark 1:24, Mark 10:47, Luke 4:34, John 18:7, and John 19:19, among other passages. Mary was engaged to Joseph. In the days of Mary and Joseph, an engagement between a man and a woman progressed through three stages to culminate in a Jewish wedding. First, there was the engagement: a formal agreement between the fathers of the bridegroom and the bride. Second, there was the betrothal: a ceremony where mutual promises were made between the bridegroom and the bride. Third, the wedding, which usually took place a year later, when the bridegroom would go and get his bride. The bridegroom’s father determined when his son could get his bride, which helps us better understand what Jesus said in John 14:1–3. The specific date was unexpected for both the bridegroom and the bride. Mary was a virgin, and by God’s miraculous power, the Spirit planted the seed in her womb to carry God the Son. Jesus was fully man and fully God. This was God the Father’s perfect plan. God also has our days planned for us; therefore, we must be sure to seek Him and His Word so we don’t miss it.
Challenge & Application
Why is it important to understand how detailed God is with His perfect plan for us and for His glory?
How are you ensuring that you don’t miss God’s will for you each day (Ephesians 5:15–16) so that you can carry it out?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!