PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 1:26-33
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“His kingdom will never end. (Luke 1:33)
When John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’, he was describing an ideal ‘kingdom’.
A world where everyone was free, no one was oppressed by evil.
From the beginning, humanity has been trying to build this ‘paradise’.
Every person in their own way tries to make their world better.
But HOW they do this is the problem, and so far humans have failed.
For some reason we cannot break the cycle of selfishness and cruelty.
Gabriel announces the promised messiah, who would restore David’s throne.
David was also a failed king, and Israel a failed kingdom.
But one important difference: God was using them to establish his ideal kingdom.
Jesus refuses Satan’s lies and ways, and establishes a kingdom of grace.
Instead of killing enemies or sending subjects to die for him, he suffers and dies.
Jesus still rules by means of grace, and his subjects follow him in this grace.
A grace that blesses instead of cursing, that helps instead of hurting!
I want to be a part of his world, to serve his kingdom of grace that will never end!
PRAYER
Lord, sometimes it feels like this messed up world will never end. But everytime I experience or witness your grace at work, I am encouraged and inspired. May your gracious kingdom come in me, may your gracious will be done through me!
“Greatly trouble and wondered” – I think that is an understatement. I am sure Mary was in some state of shock. Not only with the message but also with the messenger. She did not have to be stunned into silence though like Zechariah – but accepted the message. Did she share what happened to her with her parents, to Joseph? Would they understand? What about today? Does the God challenge me? Shouldn’t I too be ready to take on whatever God messages me and influences me? I think so and as I look back I can see that He has. Mary had to have a special messenger and so did Joseph – so that they could take on the challenge God gave them. Like Paul, too, a special revelation. As Jesus followers we too have a special revelation – maybe not as dramatic as needed to be for Mary – but none-the-less – God the Spirit working within us.
Mary responds to the Word of the Lord with faith and trust and wonderment.
Obedience.
Willingness.
And how do I respond to His Word today?
Believing in the promises of God. Have Thine own way Lord. Kead me amd guide me by Your Spirit in the way everlasting.
Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Thou art the potter I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting yielded and still
Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Search me and try me Master today
Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now
As in Thy presence humbly I bow
Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Hold over my being absolute sway
Filled with Thy spirit till all can see
Christ only always living in me