This past Sunday, we attended the Basore Road GBC in Dayton, OH to hear Pastor Terry Hofecker begin a series of four Christmas messages. His first message was titled, “Mary, the Example of Faith.” I remember only several of his points, but I was impressed how he related it to the concerns of Believers today. It is worth listening to at…. <http://basore.org/Sermons/detail.php?id=150>
Now I would like to build on Terry’s message adding my outline and thoughts on the Luke 1:26-55 passage.
Mary was a young, ordinary girl. No different from other young girls, except God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus. She had no knowledge of this until she was confronted by an Angel of God. The Jewish people were looking for the coming of a Messiah, the Anointed One who would lead and deliver them from their oppressors. They expected a King who would come as their Leader. They had no clue that he would come as a little baby.
The angel suddenly appeared and made his announcement to her. She was afraid. That’s pretty human. Believers today
are still faced with events that scare us. We’re faced with foreclosures, physical problems, loss of work, family health, wayward children and many other frightening things. Mary was no different. She was greatly troubled, but was reassured by the Angel.
Mary was Afraid
Luke 1:26-33
26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And coming in, he said to her, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29But she was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31"And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end."
Do you have doubts?
Mary had Doubts!
Believers are faced with many doubts. I have no doubts regarding my salvation now, but I do remember the early years as a new Christian, I wondered. Was I doing enough? Was simply ‘believing’ all there was? There must be more. There are times when we question the will of God in our lives. How do we know where and how to serve the Lord?
Mary had doubts. She was faced with the impossible. She had no contact with a man. There was no way she could have a baby! You may be faced with mountains too high to climb and rivers too wide to cross, but rest assured that God will take care of the impossibilities.
Luke 1:34-37
34And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God. 36"And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37"For nothing will be impossible with God."
Mary was Obedient
In spite of doubts and fears, we must be obedient to God and His Word. Mary was overwhelmed by what had occurred. But now her doubts and fears were relieved. Her faith was confirmed and she wanted to share it with her cousin. So with us, it’s exciting to see God at work in our lives. We can’t wait to share with our family, friends and neighbors.
Luke 1:38-45
38And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
39Now at this time Mary arose and went with haste to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44"For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."
Mary Praised God
Mary was a very special person. God had chosen her to be the vessel through which God became man. She was not God, but a servant of God. She was the physical mother of Jesus and recognized by the Jews as such. Jesus was her Savior and she was a His servant. For the Christian there is no better way to praise God than to be His obedient servant!
Luke 1:46-56
46And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,
47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50"And His mercy is UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
Toward those who fear Him.
51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53"He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54"He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his offspring forever."
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