A Weary World Rejoices#13

Read: Luke 1:26-38

Sing: Hark, the Harold Angels Sing

One of the most beautiful passages in our scriptures, yet equally one that is so frequently taken out of context. It is probably as a woman, one that we most try to "place ourselves in her shoes." I did it this year myself! Marveling at what it would have been like in every human aspect and slighting the divine portion and the promises of the God being fulfilled.Year after year this portion can get twisted, misused or flat out wrongly taught. It is with that weight, I found it fittingly to look to godly men who have faithfully exposited this portion.

James Boice has a wonderful book called The King Has Come, it is from there a part of our study will come from today and tomorrow.

Martin Luther, quoting Bernard will break down the first portion of this passage into 3 miracles. 

1)That God and man should be joined in this child

2)That a mother should remain a virgin

3)That Mary would have such faith as to believe that this mystery would be accomplished in her. (Pg65)

Looking at verses 26-33 specifically today and tomorrow, there is so much treasure to mine. We see again, and angel of the Lord appear, Gabriel specifically. He comes to a young girl in an obscure city. He announces his arrival stating "Greetings O favored One! The Lord is with you!" We are told "But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what type of greeting this might be." Mary, caught off guard one can assume, was shocked. Yet, she 'pondered it in her heart.' We actually will see this behavior from her over and over again. There are many situations where Mary instead of speaking out, or interjecting, ponders it. She thinks about it. She holds it in and allows the Lord to reveal the truths in His time. 

One can scarely understand the moment of an angel appearing with a direct message from the Lord, but thinking on point 1- can we understand at all the concept that God and man should be joined within the womb of this child? Jesus Christ, Fully God, Fully Man. Not a little of both. Not some. FULLY. The Creator of all things, who breathe brought forth light and life, would now dwell among His people. 

May we simply sit, and ponder this truth today.