FACTS ABOUT MARY – NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. LUKE 1:26-38
Luke 1:26-27, “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
Why does the narrative begin with “in the sixth month”? This expression allows for a meaningful comparison between Mary’s character in the story and Zachariah’s character during the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist. Examining Mary’s role in the annunciation of the birth of Jesus contrasts Zachariah’s experiences, highlighting the unique qualities and responses of these two central figures in the narrative.
God is calling His people to a realm of possibilities where we can have total faith in Him. Elizabeth and Zachariah’s situation was medically impossible, but God made their impossibility possible. We serve a God of possibilities who makes all things beautiful in His time.
In the annunciation of John, the Baptist, Zechariah voiced scepticism. He incurred the rebuke of Angel Gabriel, as recounted in Luke 1:20: “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
Contrarily, in announcing Jesus’ birth to Mary, her response was marked by inquiry rather than disbelief. In Luke 1:34, Mary questioned the angel, saying, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” The angel’s reply in Luke 1:35 assured her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” This underscores the differing reactions of Zechariah and Mary to the divine messages they received, illustrating the various expressions of faith and understanding in the unfolding narrative.
God is calling His people to a realm of possibilities where we can have total faith in Him. Elizabeth and Zachariah’s situation was medically impossible, but God made their impossibility possible. We serve a God of possibilities who makes all things beautiful in His time. On the other hand, Mary did not initially see the fullness of God’s plan for her, yet she never withdrew her consent or commitment to God’s plan. Mary’s faith was wholehearted and strong, without “ifs” or “buts”. She did not seek an easier path or turn back.
We should have faith in God like Mary did, trusting that all things are possible with God. Sometimes, life can present us with complex and seemingly impossible situations. Sometimes, we desire to achieve great goals, but things may appear gloomy, and everything around us may seem impossible. Are you struggling with a strange illness that no medication seems to cure? Maybe the doctors have given up on you and said you won’t make it for a long time. Child of God, it may seem impossible with humans, but with God, all things are possible when you believe in Him.
What does it mean to trust in the God of impossibilities?
> It means experiencing God’s miracles and wonders, especially in difficult or hopeless situations.
> It means that God intervenes in your situation when people think it’s impossible and all over.
> It means that God is working in your favour against all odds, even when all hope is lost, and all help has failed.
However, you must continue believing that God is working on your behalf to bring you the desired victory. God is the only one capable of turning an impossible situation around and making it possible.
Mary was a young, unmarried, and virgin teenager who had no experience with motherhood or other relevant experiences. She came from a village in Galilee, which was held in contempt by many people. However, where she lived, Nazareth was even more disrespected by its neighbours. Nathanael, also from Galilee, once asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Despite Mary’s qualities that made her unsuitable to be the Messiah’s mother in many people’s eyes, she found favour and was chosen for the role.
It is not just about what we think of ourselves or what others think or say about us. It is about how God sees us and how we see ourselves in God. God knew Mary’s heart, and our hearts can either attract or repel God’s visitation. The story of Jesus Christ’s birth with the story of the shepherds in Luke 2:8 tells us that sometimes God does His best work when we are physically and spiritually at our worst moments and seasons. Mary accepted God’s will with a spirit of obedience, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant … may it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). But Mary’s acceptance of God’s will came at a cost.
Mary faced the potential negative press, with questions arising such as, “Can a virgin truly give birth?” The extraordinary account of the virgin birth in Nazareth seemed implausible to many, inviting scepticism and speculation about the paternity of Mary’s child. There was a risk that Mary would be subjected to suspicion and inquiries, demanding an explanation regarding the strange circumstances of her pregnancy. She could have found herself as an unwelcome mother, facing the imminent threat of losing Joseph, her affianced, and even the possibility of being subjected to the harsh punishment of stoning to death, given the societal norms of the time.
It is not just about what we think of ourselves or what others think or say about us. It is about how God sees us and how we see ourselves in God.
Despite being acutely aware of the potential rejection and agonizing fate that awaited her beloved son, Jesus, Mary exhibited remarkable strength and unwavering faith. She chose to submit to the divine plan woven into the fabric of her life, demonstrating a profound acceptance of God’s will even in the face of societal condemnation and personal hardships. Mary’s resilience in embracing her role in the unfolding narrative underscores her extraordinary devotion and trust in the greater purpose assigned to her by God.
We must take a step of faith and obediently follow the will of God. To do this, we must deny ourselves. Denying ourselves means putting aside our natural desires for worldly things that hinder us from obeying God. Instead, we should seek God’s will above our own. The annunciation of the birth of Jesus signifies the actual moment when Jesus was incarnated, becoming the Son of God and the son of man. Mary played a crucial part in this incarnation, as her willingness to take on the burden of ministry allowed her to contribute significantly to our redemption and salvation. Her womb carried God, and God recognized her for her role. When we can say yes to God during trying times, He will honour us.
Revd Michael