Savior: The Promise FulfilledSample

You shall call his name Jesus - Mary

Every time I read this passage, I try to think about the kind of person Mary was, and I conclude that she was a remarkable young woman. Can you imagine the situation? Mary is at home and suddenly an angel shows up! I don't know about you, but I would have passed out already by then. But not Mary. 

What do we know about Mary? According to Jewish customs at the time, most Christian historians speculate that she was around 15-16 years old at the time of Jesus’ birth. She came from a pious family who were descendants of King David. She knew Scripture and learned it by heart. Her “Magnificat,” the prayer she says in Luke 1:46-55, quotes more than ten Old Testament Scriptures. She knew that God had promised to send the Messiah to save His people. She knew the prophecies. She had faith.

Her encounter with the angel would change not only her life, but the lives of all humanity forever. What would have gone through her mind? Suddenly an angel was telling her news she never expected to hear – she would bear the long-awaited Messiah. She would be the mother of a son she would name Jesus, the Savior, the Rescuer, the Deliverer. 

When the time came, Mary was ready. She responded in faith to an unexpected, amazing situation that was totally out of her control. God called her and she responded even though she didn't have everything figured out. Are you ready for God´s calling on your life? When God gives you a task, do you respond in faith or in disbelieve? 

Heavenly Father, help me overcome my disbelief. Even when I don´t understand completely what You´re asking from me, help me answer You in faith, knowing that You will enable me to do things beyond my expectations. Amen. 

Mini challenge: Decorate some cards with the name of Jesus and write today´s verses on them. Hand out the cards to friends or neighbors who don´t know Jesus as their Savior.