Share this encouragement!

Listen HERE

The Calm Before the Storm

It’s Go Time

Now that Gabriel has made his appearance, greeted and also comforted Mary’s heart, he has a big message from God for her, and there’s no time to waste.

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

Luke 1:31

Ok, you’re probably getting to know me a bit by now, but I have to stop here and take a look at this first word, Behold. Gabriel isn’t simply saying, Hey Mary!

3708 horáō – properly, see, often with metaphorical meaning: “to see with the mind” (i.e. spiritually see), i.e. perceive (with inward spiritual perception).

Behold!

Behold! It’s a verb. When you want your child’s attention you might call out his or her name, but when you expect your child to respond to what you’re about to say, you may start out with something like, “Listen to what I’m going to say.”

Behold: pay attention and grasp what I am about to tell you.

Mary’s Instructions

I don’t know if Mary’s heartbeat had slowed down at all from all this heavenly commotion, but it was about to gain speed again. As Gabriel talked, Mary received her instructions from God.

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

Luke 1:31

Gabriel sure says a whole lot in a few words, doesn’t he? (I should take note.) Look at what he’s said now: Mary’s divine instructions.

1. You’re going to conceive
2. You’re going to give birth to a son.
3. You’re going to name your baby JESUS.

Those Two Lines

Positive HPT. If you know what that means, it’s likely you’ve taken an at home pregnancy test and watched two lines appear. Do you recall what your thoughts were in that minute? Whether or not you were hopeful for those two lines, I bet your thoughts took off to the future as they appeared. I imagine your heart and mind exploded at once with questions, predicaments and hope! With just those two lines, our lives are flooded with wonder and wanderings.

(A quick pop in of empathy for those waiting to see that second line show up. I know your pain and can promise of God’s perfect timing through it all. May God bless you in your hope for a baby!)

Unexpectedly Expecting

Have you ever heard, “Was it a surprise?” when announcing your pregnancy? Some of you can say you were unexpectedly expecting, but that’s only partially true (which is why you bought that HPT to begin with). But Mary? Mary found herself absolutely unexpectedly expecting.

These First Three Lines

Gabriel greeted the Virgin Mary moments before with the first three lines:

• You’re highly favored.
• The Lord is with you.
• You are blessed among women.

But just wait for the next three lines!

Calm Before the Storm

No sooner had Gabriel confirmed and comforted Mary’s very troubled heart, he’s right there ready to continue with God’s message. And, what was to come next would be even more shocking than even his surprising arrival to her in Nazareth.

The Next Three Lines

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

Luke 1:31

Mary, espoused to Joseph-remember, in her time there were 3 points to a consummated marriage, and Mary & Joseph had not gotten to the last. So, Mary was a virgin, she was at her childhood home-Joseph had a customary year to come get his bride-and until a few moments ago this day was just another ordinary day in Mary’s young life. The angel continues to share God’s message, and the next three lines were sure going to change her life!

• You are going to be pregnant.
• You will have a son.
• You will name Him Jesus.

Talk about a flood of wondering and wanderings in a woman’s heart. Young Mary: chosen, favored & loved, has just heard big things from God’s messenger. She grappled with her fear. She learned the what (a pregnancy and baby) and the who (Jesus), but there was a big empty space…the how.

Behold Favor

For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

2 Corinthians 6:2

Here in this 6 day with Mary we behold God’s favor on her, and in 2 Cor. 6:2 we behold God’s favor on us, those who receive His salvation. CHRISTmas season. Jesus’ mother. God’s salvation. Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! Come to Him.