Mary, the Chosen One
God sent the angel Gabriel to speak to Mary. The message Gabriel brought? God wanted Mary to play a special role in his divine plan. Even though she was an unlikely candidate for the job. Females in Jewish society were not seen as persons of much value. They were often considered property. They had no rights of their own; certainly a woman would not be seen as one who could have a hand in saving the world.
How shocking that God chose a young virgin to bear God’s son. But, that’s the way it is with God. He calls unlikely people. God didn’t ask Mary if she was willing. He expected her to obey.
Mary asked the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, but he didn’t explain exactly how the Virgin Birth would work. He told her God would take care of things. God would be with her.
That was enough.
With a gigantic leap of faith, Mary accepted God’s call.
When God calls us to a task, may we be as courageous as Mary and Joseph. May it be enough for us to know God will always be with us and that with God nothing is impossible.
It is always mind-boggling that such a young girl in such a time and place accepted the angel’s/God’s “call.” How many girls would do that in this day and time? With all the cynicism abounding, probably not many. Great post. xoxo
Mary was a special young woman, indeed. But her response reminds me that when God calls us to do something for him, he also gives us special faith to do it–if we’ll say yes.
Merry Christmas and Blessings in the New Year! (looks like I won’t be getting any Christmas cards out this year. 🙁
Mary was so special, and her faith was strong!