THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 1:26-38
“For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37)
We may recall this translation better: “nothing is impossible for God!”
The literal words are: no word/thing of God will be powerless.
In other words, when God plans something, it happens.
This is not saying that God can do ANYTHING (like create a square rock).
This is very specific, about God’s good purpose and plan for us, for creation.
God does not drop the ball, God does not say one thing and do another.
God’s favour works for all mankind, whether they receive it, believe it or not.
For centuries God promised a messiah, and the time has come.
God has promised justice, mercy, restoration, healing, hope, eternal life.
God has promised to restore His creation, and to make all things new.
For His part, His words will not be powerless.
It may take time, it may seem impossible, it may go against all we can think or imagine.
But God stays true to His word, and when the time is right, He will make it happen.
Like Mary, we are recipients of this unbelievable message.
Like Mary, we need to receive it, to believe it, to live in it’s reality.
“I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
Are you living each day with your heart open to God’s unbelievable promises?
Whether they seem possible or not?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, in this screwed up world, if it was not for Your promises I would not be able to carry on. My heart is heavy with all the misery and suffering and injustice… but I have hope in Your word!
Observation/Application
When hearing the word of the angel, Mary may have had a momentary fear but that did not last long. She asked how this as all about to happen? Asking questions is a great way of learning and know. Those questions were not asked out of fear but out of faith. Her faithful response was that she was the Lord’s servant – a Jesus follower – a disciple. Wow!
Lord, help me also respond in a joyful way to serve You in all that You ask me to do. I too am Your servant. Make me a channel of Your peace.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your
love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in
you.
Chorus:
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring
hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
Chorus:
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal