Highly favored by God

A Simple Humility

------------------------------------------------

 

Read Full Passage: Luke 1:26-38

Key Text: vs. 26-29

During Elizabeth's sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin girl that lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. The girl was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Greetings! The Lord (God) is with you. You are very special to him." But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. Mary wondered, "What does this mean?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

THOUGHTS ON TODAY'S VERSE:

When we were children, many of us imagined ourselves in special circumstances doing great things and achieving great glory. In such moments of childish pride, we could see ourselves being chosen to do great things!

As we mature, we hope and trust we can be useful to God, but genuine humility leads us to be surprised when we are chosen for a special task for God. Although undoubtedly young, Mary has this attitude of genuine humility. She is genuinely confused and somewhat unsettled by Gabriel's presence and announcement.

A host of questions filled her heart: "How can I be highly favored by God? Why would I be visited by an angel from God?" It was Mary's faithful humility that made her the person God could trust as the mother of the Messiah. It is that same kind of genuine humility that makes us fit to do great things for our King as well!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

PRAYER:

Lord God Almighty, give me genuine humility -- not a false humility that sees myself as deficient and unfit to do your work or answer your call, but genuine humility that recognizes your power and grace working in me and through my limitations. Please use me to bring you glory and to bless your people. In Jesus' name

Amen