December 16, 2015
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:34-38
34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37For no word from God will ever fail.”
38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Questions for Reflection:
What question did Mary ask the angel? It’s important to note that Mary doesn’t doubt, but she’s curious. The question is rational after all. It seems crazy to think that a virgin would get pregnant. In fact, it defies science, logic and reason. Yet in spite of that, Mary believes that God can work. She just wants to know how. She asks “how will this be” not “how can this be.” The difference between those two questions gives us a glimpse into Mary’s faith.
The angel then gives Mary a brief explanation of how God was going to work. Then to help fan her faith, the angel points to Mary’s relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth & Zechariah’s miracle was a sign to Mary that she can trust God to do the miraculous in her life. When God works in our lives, he is not doing it just for our benefit. He is often working in us so that we can strengthen others. God doesn’t give you something that He won’t use to help others. Where in your life have you seen others teach you something they learned that strengthened your faith? Where have you seen God teach you something that you were able to pass on to others?
Verse 37 includes one of the great statements into the nature of God. Other translations record it as “For nothing is impossible with God.” Both statements carry the same truth. They remind us that God is able to do the impossible, even in our lives. New Testament scholar Darrell Bock in his commentary on Luke writes, “We can trust God to perform his promises. He will do it at his own time and in his own way, but it will come to pass.” What big things has God called you to trust Him for? Spend time today in prayer reaffirming your belief in Him, in the power of His word and your commitment to serving Him. Also take a moment and write down or memorize verse 37. Allow this verse to encourage you when difficulties come as you follow His lead.