Morning Moments

Before we look at the text today, let's use our sanctified imaginations for a moment. Imagine a young teen age girl going for a walk alone, then pausing to sit under a tree for a few minutes. She is just an ordinary girl, with no record of mental or emotional instability. This girl was calm, consistent, considerate, and all the other qualities that make her very attractive to a decent young man who has had his eye on her for awhile. He has spoken with his family and his father to her father about marrying her, and all has been agreed.

So here she is, sitting alone under the big tree reflecting on all that must be done before the wedding. She thinks about how wonderful it has been in her own family. She thinks about how much her father and mother have respected the young man's family, and she envisions a wonderful life ahead.

Suddenly, out of nowhere a man appears. Being perhaps a bit startled, and understanding that it was a very precarious situation for her to be in as a Jewish girl. But there is something about this man that has a calming affect upon her. Then he speaks and all the anxiety subsides. His greeting has the sound of a cool breeze on a warm day; comforting and calming. "This is no ordinary man," she says to herself.

Now imagine the "man" that has suddenly shown up. Was there a glow about him? Could he be considered a mere guest in the area, as Abram so long ago had considered the two who appeared to him in the plain? Had she heard of the experience of Elizabeth yet? If so that was six months before and it was different. Elizabeth was up in age, but she was a married woman. Nevertheless, she was here and he was here and she respectfully listen. And what she heard was absolutely astounding! NO one had ever heard such a thing, so how would she explain this to anyone?

That is the setting. Now look at the story - BUT before you do read Lk 1:26-38

II. Gabriel’s Announcement to Mary

A. The Messenger “Gabriel

Gabriḗl; meaning "man of God." Gabriel, an angel especially entrusted with the message to Zacharias concerning the birth of John, and to Mary concerning the birth of Christ (Luk_1:19-26). At an earlier period, he was sent to Daniel to unfold a vision (Dan_8:16; Dan_9:21). One of the two angels referred to in the Bible, the other being Michael the archangel (Jud_1:9) who is the warrior angel, ággelos, angel.

Some of us have had a stranger come to the door with a message. For some the message was bad news, as when a loved one has been killed. For others it was good news such as when a long lost friend or family member suddenly arrives. But NONE of us has ever received a message of this sort straight from the mouth of the angel Gabriel, so we need to play close attention to this message.

B. The Message “a son”

This was a fulfillment of the double reference verses by God to David in 2 Sam 7:12-14.
"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son."

My friend Ivor Powell used to say something to the effect that future events cast their shadow in the past. Certainly that was the case here. This whole story is such an amazing one for so many reasons. In a day when we consider every good thing that happens a "miracle," we need a new perspective to this old truth. IT IS COMPLETELY UNIQUE. IT HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. This is not merely a once in a lifetime story, it is a ONCE for ETERNITY one.

PRAYER: Father, please help us to never allow the story of the incarnation to become dull for us. Help us to gain new light on old truth and keep our hearts warm with it.