A specific angel – Gabriel - was sent to her by God. He came to the tiny town of Nazareth in a tiny country on a tiny planet to an engaged virgin – not just any engaged virgin but one named Mary.
“For nothing is impossible with God.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant’, Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Luke 1:37, 38.
“For nothing is impossible with God.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant’, Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Luke 1:37, 38.
It’s interesting to see how personal this calling was for Mary the mother of Jesus. It was timely – in the sixth month of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy. A specific angel – Gabriel - was sent to her by God. He came to the tiny town of Nazareth in a tiny country on a tiny planet to an engaged virgin – not just any engaged virgin but one named Mary.
Every believer will receive a calling or many callings from the Lord. He who knows the number of hairs on our head also places us in situations that are tailor made for us to serve Him.
Accepting this call from God cost Mary so much. There was uncertainty and misjudging and a big faith requirement. Interesting that for her, having a child as a virgin was a critical piece but for Gabriel it was simply a detail. But while there was great cost, there was also great reward. Think about it – Joseph ended up believing her and they became a family; Elizabeth her cousin knew what was going on and encouraged her; she raised a wonderful son who looked like her; and after the resurrection she was in the room when the Holy Spirit fell!
So where do you find yourself this Christmas? Is it a complex situation? Are you going to be with people you would never naturally choose to be with? When former Alliance president Arnold Cook was a missionary in Columbia, he was very upset with the myriad of little details and duties that were in his way. His colleague, Arnie Reimer told him: “Your pathway is your mission field.” Maybe that is you this Christmas.
The self centred say – “I don’t need this hassle!” But the Christian says, “When God calls, I just do it!” Obedience will stretch us but also reward us.
The happiest life is the one most in alignment with God’s will.
Pastor Leon Throness
