“Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. “
Luke 1:29-31

–

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

Presumably, Mary expected a reasonably normal future. She was engaged to a good man with a job as a carpenter who could provide what they needed to live and raise a family together. They resided in a relatively secure village populated by people of similar means and mindset. A love for the God of Abraham had been instilled by her upbringing. She would not have seen herself as any different from her peers.

But without warning, her quiet life in Nazareth was invaded by angelic presence. She heard words that were deeply unsettling, speaking of God’s special favor and presence with her. As fear began to rise within Mary, the angel responded, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” Mary was about to hear things that would complicate her life, things that would demand God’s provision of courage and strength to overcome fear.

Mary received a delicate and impossible message: she would soon be pregnant. She would bear a son, whom she was to name Jesus, or Joshua in Aramaic. The message was clear but incomprehensible. She was not yet married; who would be the father? How could this be? Interestingly, the word “virgin” is used multiple times to refer to Mary, including a self-reference in the next verses. Her confusion was well founded, as was her fear. To be found pregnant during the betrothal period was unthinkable. She would likely lose everything.

God selected Mary for an unheard-of task. How could she participate in what was being asked of her? It made no sense. Why her? Why now? What qualified her to be assigned this role? God’s first instruction to Mary through Gabriel was, “Do not be afraid.” Mary had reason to fear the situation which lay ahead, but God commanded her to not be afraid, to put her hope in Him.

For hope in the living, loving God is incompatible with paralyzing fear.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • When has God qualified you for a task requiring resources you lacked?
  • When has the assurance of God’s presence with you given hope in circumstances that provoked fear?
  • How did God allay your anxiety?

 

Church Reading Plan: Micah 1; Luke 10