LEARNING DAILY

Luke 1:26-30, In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin 's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God”.

Pastor Ed Newton pointed out that the angel Gabriel was mentioned twice in the Bible – in the Old Testament he announced to Daniel that the Messiah was coming and in the New Testament when he announced to Mary the arrival of the Messiah. Between the two announcements there was 400 years of silence. “But that did not mean God was not working. He was causing nations and leaders to rise and fall and preparing all the necessary events to happen that would prepare the coming of the Messiah” (EN).

Gabriel was not a prophet, but an angel (Listener Guide), sent from the throne of God to announce the coming of the Messiah. His announcement came to Mary and Joseph at the time of their engagement, a binding and contractual agreement; money and reputation were on the line.  Mary was surprised, shocked at the announcement. Joseph was obedient to the angel’s command. “Both were fully committed to being obedient to God” (EN).

“And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” In Luke 1:46-55, Mary gives praise to God in what is known as the Magnificat. She is expressing her gratitude to God for what He is doing through her and acknowledging His faithfulness and greatness; she is celebrating that God has chosen her for a special purpose and is fulfilling His promises to His people. “Mary is to be honored but not worshipped. She was not sinless; she was set apart and needed a Savior to save her from her sin. She was given the same grace as every Believer” (EN).

God was telling her that she would not go through this situation alone. He would be with her! Who would not be fearful? Yet, Gabriel told her to not be afraid; she had found favor with God.  She recognized the great honor she had been given to bring the Son of God into this world to fulfill God’s plan and purpose.

Every Believer should recognize the great honor he/she has to carry the name of Jesus Christ in this dark and evil world. As Gabriel told Mary and Joseph, Believers are not left alone to fumble around without guidance.  The Holy Spirit is with each of us leading and strengthening us to fulfill God’s purpose and His plan. Like Mary, each of you has found favor with God. “For you bless the righteous, O Lord” (Psalm 5:12a). Give the Lord praise!