God's Chosen Virgin

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Can you think of anyone in the history of the world who was asked to have more faith than Mary? She was young, probably a teenager, and a virgin. More than likely, her hope was to live a normal life in a small, Galilean village — the no-name town of Nazareth. But things were about to change in a big way!

A message came from heaven, sent by God, Himself — not in a text, but through an angel. They were, undoubtedly, troubling and confusing words. So much so, she had to be reminded at the very beginning, “The Lord is with you.“ Now we all know that generally speaking, God is with all of us. True. So I’m thinking the emphasis was, “The Lord is with YOU!” The God who chooses made another choice. He had done so before with Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Ruth, David and others. But once again He chose an instrument through which He would work in the world. “Highly favored” may be the understatement of its time. 

“You will be with child,” he said, “in a way no woman has ever conceived before, as a virgin.” Would she believe it? Well, let me ask you, would YOU believe it? Don’t think for a minute that people of that day didn’t understand human anatomy and conception. They were not ignorant of the birds and bees. 

Is it too much to ask of the 21st century to believe that God could do something so utterly unique? Most, today, would say “Yes.” I would say, “No” because I don’t think God is limited to only one creative time. Who can make such a rule for God! 

She was asked to believe the unimaginable, and she did. Mary believed, and so it came to be that she was “with Child.” What a remarkable young lady! That being said, she is not to be worshiped, but neither should she be ignored. She stood at the end of an era, the Old Testament, and the beginning of a new. And we see her life, from stable to cross, pointing to Jesus. 

It really makes me wonder: If Mary were here today, how would she celebrate Christmas? It’s a good question for all of us. How will YOU celebrate Christmas? I have an idea. Let’s exercise our faith and, like Mary, say, “Lord, do whatever you choose to do in my life.” AMEN!

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. Luke 1:26-31