Often when we witness something extraordinary there is a back story that is just as powerful.  When we speak of the birth of Jesus Christ, in that miracle there was also a back story that centered around Mary and how she came to bear her assignment.

When the announcement was made to Mary about the birth, it was then that God decided to do something that will change the world through an ordinary vessel.  Mary was not the only virgin, nor was she the only Mary.  Her significance was not as paramount as her heart to surrender.  In choosing Mary, God begins with somebody who is nobody.

In the scripture the angel enters and says:

Luke 1:28 – And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

 

Before her assignment is even announced the angel said to Mary that she was acceptable, beneficial, and endued with special honor, and thus she will be the vessel for almighty God.  God calls those things that are not, for once He says it, those things shall come to pass.

The angel also shares with Mary that she is highly favored, reassuring her that the Lord is with her and that she is blessed.  In those cultural times, Mary’s assignment could equal her death. Her journey alone, being pregnant and unwed, would require her to be stoned.  Yet, when God calls an ordinary vessel, He extends an extraordinary call.

 

Knowing the task, the assignment was not easy for Mary to accept.  She had a natural response and the scripture shares that she was troubled at what the angel spoke to her.

Luke 1:29 – “But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.”

 

Luke 1:34 – “Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’”

 

“God is not moved by our natural response.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

“Your agitation will not change the assignment.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

God Provides Supernatural Resources

God was not moved by Mary’s natural response.  It did not change the assignment, but in fact He provides supernatural resources in Luke 1:35-37.

Luke 1:35-37 – “And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

These supernatural resources are:

His person – I will give the Holy Ghost to come upon you.

His power – You will get my power to bring it to pass.

The meaning of power being abundance, meaning, and the might of the most High. (That which is required to bring it to pass will be given in abundance.)

A partner – In the scripture, Elizabeth is Mary’s partner.  Someone who has been where Mary is going, and can be at her side to encourage her to keep going.

The promise – With God, nothing is impossible.  If God calls for it, it will come to pass.

 

 

The Surrender of Mary’s Heart

Luke 1:38 – Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Even as a girl of 15, not yet knowing the full meaning of what was to come, Mary surrenders her heart with her last proper response:  I am your maidservant and I surrender to your will.

 

In closing, God is busy making you, as He did Mary, someone no one else has never been.  In doing so, He provides us with the resources to succeed in the assignments He has given to us, for with God nothing will be impossible.

So, our response should be:

• Lord I’m Your servant
• Lord I surrender to Your will