Today’s scripture: Luke 1:26-38 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Jeff Miner):
All scriptures have a primary meaning. The primary level of meaning in today’s passage is clear: an angel delivers a special message for Mary to Mary. But like all great literature, every passage of scripture text has a universal meaning, a message for every single person who reads it. That being the case. . .
The angel’s message in this passage is not just for Mary, it’s for you.
As you went to bed last night, just before you drifted off to sleep, suppose a bright light appeared in your room. From that light emerges an iridescent angel — the most powerful, compelling being you have ever encountered. You’re speechless and trembling. Then the angel begins to speak:
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
How would you feel?
Probably just like Mary. She was surprised and “perplexed” and “pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” She had never thought of herself as being particularly special. She had never thought of herself as having a critical mission in life. We’re the same.
But the angel has appeared and the message is clear. Every faithful reader of this passage is meant to receive the angel’s message: you are a “favored one.” In other words, God thinks the world of you — little ol’ you. Can you get your arms around that? Dare to say it aloud to yourself several times:
“I am favored by God. I am special in God’s eyes.”
The message really challenges our souls to begin seeing ourselves differently. But let’s not stop there, because the angel isn’t finished. The angel goes on to say,
“The Lord is with you.”
Mary knew what that meant. In the Old Testament (which was Mary’s “Bible” at the time), whenever God is “with” someone in a special way, it’s because that person has been given a critical mission for God. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord “came upon” people in an unusual way when they were called to a special task.
So, when the angel says “the Lord is with you,” Mary realizes she is about to be commissioned to do something special for God. The same is true of you. Cut the false humility. An infinite God formed and shaped you with intricate intentionality and placed you where you are in life so that you can do something exceptional to further the work of God on planet earth.
Mary’s genius is that she accepted the angel’s divine commission. How ‘bout you?
Thought for the day: If you dare, speak these words aloud:
I know that I am here to play a critical role in God’s work on earth. I accept that great commission and will act as God reveals my path.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.