December 16, 2021
The Angel answered and said to [Mary], “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now, indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:35-37
Mary’s visit from Gabriel changed the entire course of her life and the lives of countless others! How blessed we are that Luke recorded it for us. Even Gabriel’s closing words, “For with God nothing will be impossible”, have been a source of encouragement and comfort ever since. Pondering the words with God . . . am I truly and wholeheartedly with God? Later Jesus would go on to declare,
“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matthew 12:30-31
As we celebrate Immanuel, “God with us” let us recognize the unmatched value of the gift of freedom He has given us to choose to join with Him . . . or not. The wedding theme throughout God’s Word illustrates just what an intimate relationship with each of us our God desires. Newspaper announcements of upcoming weddings refer to the woman as the “bride-elect” meaning chosen bride. When we see the words translated “elect” or “chosen” in the Bible, it is a reminder of the opportunity for a two-way choosing. God chose us first and it is up to us to choose Him back, just as the potential groom asks the woman to marry him, and—this is key—it is only after she says “YES!” that she becomes the bride-elect. She is then betrothed and spends her time preparing for the upcoming wedding!
The unchanging nature of God—if I will recognize it—can have the effect of showing me how fickle I am. The character trait of steadfastness is what I need, and only His Holy Spirit can help me develop it. Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel is a beautiful example of the ideal response I should have when the Holy Spirit makes clear to me any facet or element of God’s will:
“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38