Mary Did Not Know!

Luke 1:28 – 35

Gabriel whose name means “Strength of God” suddenly appeared to the virgin in her private chambers.  “Hail (rejoice), thou that art highly favored, the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”  No other place in Scripture do similar words appear.  When Gabriel appeared to Daniel he could only say, “For thou art greatly beloved” – not “thou art highly favored.”

Mary was startled in the presence of the angel.  Rather, it is Gabriel who should have been in awe of Mary, for she was chosen to bear in her womb the eternal Son of God. He said to her, “Fear not. Thou halt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son… Jesus. The LORD God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.”

The angel’s response is a Hebraic expression of a beautiful sentiment and poetical style. The angel deals with one of the deepest and holiest mysteries, and for this reason his words are here exalted to a song. 

Tenderly he declares in the song that Mary was chosen. Her modesty was evident. She never thought nor assumed it would be her, maybe some other Jewish virgin, but not her.  She truly did not know, nor anticipated, that God would choose her to bring forth the Messiah.  The Holy Spirit will come upon Mary and overshadow her with His power, through which she will become pregnant.

Eve carried in her womb all humanity who was lost because of sin having death eternal.  Mary carried in her womb the new Adam who brings salvation and life eternal. In her womb was the “One who rides upon the cherubim” (Psa. 18:10).  In her womb was the Creator of all things. He who cannot be contained is contained in her womb – the timeless enters time.  Like the holy flame that did not consume the small desert tree (Exod. 3:2), Mary’s virginity remained.  As in the Genesis creation story the creative power of the Holy Spirit came upon her – the power of the Highest overshadowed her. Her womb became the tabernacle of the Son of God.

How is this possible?  How can she remain a virgin? How does a virgin give birth to a virgin and remain a virgin for her betrothed?  A truth to ponder – the One who entered through the closed doors was not a Spirit.  He was a real man, “Behold my hands and my feet – a spirit hath not flesh and bones” (Jn. 20:19; Lk. 24:39).  

Where did He come in?  The doors were closed. Everything was closed, and yet, there He was in their midst. We attribute this to the “power of God.” Exactly!  Through the power of God Jesus was born of a virgin and the virgin herself after giving birth remained a virgin for her betrothed.

When things seem impossible – God does the possible: “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26).

Humility, not entitlement, is key for God’s favor: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).

God’s Word will come to pass: “For I am the LORD; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 12:25).

God is true to His Word.  The Messiah came as promised, bringing hope, forgiveness, healing, and salvation.

When you give to bless Israel, you will be blessed – God is true to His Word: “And I will bless them that bless thee” (Genesis 12:3).
 
As you ponder the miracle of the Virgin Birth, ponder the miracle of Israel and trust in God’s promises for those who bless Israel. Pray and send a loving/generous gift to Israel Today Ministries helping us to feed and bless children, Holocaust survivors, and families within Israel. Thank you for your outstanding partnership!

Shalom and Blessings,
Until He comes, we are
Together Under His Wings,

Dr. Jeff