In Luke 1:26-38, the Bible tells us about the angel visiting Mary and delivering a powerful and life changing prophecy. Every part of the prophecy would have been overwhelming enough, but all the elements of this prophecy put together were truly amazing!
There are a few things that are remarkable to me. Having grown up in a Middle Eastern nation, one would rather have anything happen to them than getting humiliated and ashamed by carrying a child out of wedlock. The fear of man and the opinion of man have such a control in people’s lives that make it debilitating and paralyzing for most people. The fact that Mary didn’t bring up that concern to the angel is amazing. Additionally, she was going to be married to Joseph soon. What if he didn’t believe her? Will he break up with her? She didn’t mention that concern to the angel either.
Mary could have protested the angel’s message by saying, “By the way, we come from a poor family. We have no political, financial, or religious clout to make this boy qualified for the throne. Have you considered my cousin Elizabeth or the Chief Priest’s daughter for this assignment? We don’t have any skills or resources to raise a king. Joseph is a carpenter, and that’s about the only thing we can teach him as a career.”
Mary in simplicity of her faith believed the angel and everything the angel told her. She exclaimed, “Let it be to me according to your word.” She received the seed of life through the prophetic word right at that time. She didn’t say that she had to pray about it. She didn’t declare,” I agree only with part of the prophecy.” She accepted the whole counsel and made herself available to the Holy Spirit to do His work on her.
I hope we can receive the word of God with simplicity of faith without trying to analyze it or understand it. Mary didn’t try to make a plan for how this prophecy was going to get fulfilled. Based on various scriptures, it is clear that the Angel continued to give counsel to Mary and Joseph in order to guide their path, keep them in unity, and protect baby Jesus.
I love the song, “Mary Did You Know” because it beautifully describes the extent of the work of Jesus. Mary could not have imagined His awesome work when she received the prophetic word and became Jesus’ mother. You can use the link below (cut and paste if needed) to listen to the song on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPsgIhlYQmM
Thank you Lord for Jesus coming and for His obedience to the cross. Thank you Lord for your word. We receive it in simplicity of faith. Give us the courage to trust you with the process.