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Welcome Luke 1:1-25 Request a Prayer Free Paintings

THE ANNUNCIATION

BIBLE STUDY GOALS:

Learn how to relate to, talk to and respond to God in our lives today.
Examine how to perceive worldly hardships in heavenly reality.
Identify the behaviors and convictions that are pleasing to God.

Luke 1: 26-38

New King James Version (NKJV)

Bible commentary

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. We can love and serve God in our private ministry: as a fiance, a single person, a wife, a husband, a parent or a friend. God saw that how Mary lived her life is good. Likewise, we can include God in every task of our ordinary lives, because what seems small or insignificant to people, is pleasing to God when it is done with love. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, God wants us to be happy, he brings greeting an reasons for gladness beyond the aspirations of this world. In the King James’ Bible translation the angel says: “Hail Mary, full of Grace” indicating that she lived a pure and godly life even prier to the Holy Spirit overshadowing her. “The Lord is with you By saying "the Lord is with you" the angel acknowledges that Mary has a personal relationship with God, such that she thinks of God, talks to God, and feels His presence as often as possible. God who created all the galaxies wants to be personally by our side.; blessed are you among women!” In "The Message" Bible translation, this is stated as: "You're beautiful with God's beauty, beautiful inside and out." Most women spend more time, effort and money to look physically attractive than to have anything to do with God. Mary spent those resources on expressing her love to The Almighty Creator, by following His commands, decrees, laws and by telling others how good and beneficial God's Word really is.

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Fear is a natural response to supernatural phenomena. For one who values the virtue of being humble, a sudden compliment about grace given by God, above all other female members of the human species, is difficult to comprehend. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. The angel immediately comforts Mary. With God in our hearts, we are prepared to go through adversity and know that He will comfort us when we feel troubled. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. Children are God's blessings, even if they are born in wedlock, to single mothers, unplanned or unwanted. Children glorify God through reflecting His gift of creation. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Greater than whatever "good" we are able to imagine is the perfect "good" that God gives. The angel explained to Mary that her favor and blessing will benefit multitudes for the rest of existence. The miracle of Jesus becoming human will continue to multiply its advantages forever.

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” Mary believed God's World and asked for clarification as to the technical specifications. Virginity being a virtue and it is valued by the Lord. God values wisdom, He values education and gladly answers our honest questions. We also can ask God for wisdom and answers just as Mary did.

35 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. The Lord gave life with His breath to all creation, He made it all, there is absolutely no reason why the God of the Universe would be limited by earthly physical conditions, such as requiring a male for new life, a person being virgin or being past menopause as Elizabeth was. How far were we from God, that we thought women to be inferior and insignificant? The Creator challenged our biases by making a female, Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant. God blessed a female, from all of creation, to bring forth God's Holy Word, manifested in real human flesh! We must remember that thinking of females as less worthy, or as less important in anything, is far from the heart of God. Everything our Heavenly Father created is good. 36 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. How God supports us! He gave a obvious miracle right in front of Mary: her cousin. Mary’s faith was strengthened and proven real, exactly when she needed it. To go through pregnancy together with a friend, and to encounter someone giving birth soon before she will do it, is comforting. The Lord loves us incredibly, he expresses His love for toward us through people, animals, nature, and everything good we encounter. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” God can do everything; there is no limit to His might. In verse 37, we find out that "with" God all things are possible. Our requests must be in agreement "with" His will; not beside Him, not with ourselves, but "with" Him. Our desires should be in accordance "with" His commandments and His Word. We should feel His presence and think of Him all the time; believe and not doubt that God is "with" all who love Him. In The New International Version Bible translation, this sentence reads: "No Word from God will ever fail." A detailed study of God's word allows us to understand His will.

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!” Do you trust God enough to put aside your own ambitions and do what He tells you? God is the Perfect Father, he cares for you and wants the very best for His children. All plans or requests God suggests are to our ultimate joy and benefit. His will is better than what we can think of as goals for our life, because God's will enriches everybody. God's commission is good beyond us and beyond our lifetime, it will result in everlasting happiness. Putting away our own desires in favor God's plan will result in a place in His Heavenly Kingdom! Nothing is too big of a price on this earth for a chance to love The Lord for eternity. Ask God to use you for His glory, as Mary did. “Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Even though, we may not understand how exactly His Word will be accomplished in our lives, we must desire it with loving conviction and without doubt. For Mary, accepting a pregnancy meant that she would be endangered of being stoned to death. Alternatively she could have been rejected by her husband and the community and sent exile outside the city: homeless, jobless and labeled as disgraced. But with sincere trust in God there is safety and well being. Partnership with the Lord equips us to see beyond the evils and negativity expected on earth. Although eventual rejections and condemnations will come, believe even more that following God’s will is more important than things of this world. God will bless you and protect you in due time. Trust Him.

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