Inspired by . . . the Hope of His Coming Vol. 9

Inspired by . . . the Hope of His Coming Vol. 9

 

 

The account in Luke of the coming of the Messiah never ceases to fill me with wonder. I don’t think I will ever tire of reading the words - - of feeling the HOPE bloom anew in my heart each time I read these words of promise.

I confess, I do not always read scripture this way, with HOPE and EXPECTATION. Often I will come to a passage and think, “Oh, I know this one.” and skim over it, not really taking the words into my mind, into my heart.

I need to remember that scripture is not just words on a page. It is God’s Word, log'-os, the Divine Expression, that is, Christ. {John 1:1} I need to remember, when I approach scripture, that it is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword. {Heb 4:12} It has the power to change my life. {2Tim 3:15} It speaks to me anew, no matter how well I think I may “know” what it says. God can speak a new word to me, right there, in that moment, through His inspired Word written thousands of years ago. And so often I read it too casually, almost without thought. Forgive me, Lord!

If you’re doing any Advent studies or devotionals, you’ve likely already read this passage at least once, maybe more this season. Won’t you read it with me one more time? Let’s try to savor each word.

 

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured,

the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying,

and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:

and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,

and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:

therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age:

and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
(Luk 1:26-38 KJV)

 

Despite her initial fear, Mary would have known great JOY in this meeting. The Jews had been waiting a very long time for the promised Messiah. Mary knew what this meant for her people. Much like Esther, she risked her reputation and her life by saying yes to God’s plan of salvation.

 

 

God has a word for you today, beloved.

It may be a word of comfort, or a

promise to come.

Listen.

 

Blessings,

 

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