Scripture to Read: Luke 1:28-33
Can you imagine an angel showing up at your place and saying, “Greetings, favored one!”? It’s no wonder Mary was perplexed (troubled). She kept wondering why she would be receiving such a greeting. Being called “favored one” should have calmed any fear Mary may have had, but we read in the next verse that Gabriel says, “Do not be afraid,” so Mary must have had some fear. The word “favored” means “grace” which speaks of unearned favor. By Gabriel calling Mary “favored one,” the word indicated that there was nothing in Mary that earned her this acknowledgment. In other words, Mary was just like us, a sinner. She needed God’s grace, just like all other sinners. God chose to show Mary His favor, not because she deserved it, but because God chose to give it. God chose to give all mankind His favor through our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone who chooses to receive God’s favor, by surrendering to Christ as Lord, is forever a child of God the Father. Gabriel let’s Mary know God’s plan for her and how God is going to use her to give birth to the King of all kings. God uses Gabriel to let Mary know: Jesus is the Son of God; Jesus is the Messiah that has been spoken of throughout the Old Testament; Jesus is the One True King of a kingdom that will last for eternity. What incredible news to receive from one of God’s archangels. But this incredible news is still just as incredible today, and that is why we must share this news with all.
Challenge & Application
If you had an archangel show up to bring you a message from God, how would you react? What you would tell others? God performed an ever greater miracle by filling you with His Holy Spirit. How are you sharing with others how God has changed your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!