Wow! I must be special...
Illustration
"Wow! I must be special."
At first glance of this passage, one might say those were Mary's words. But a deeper look lets us know that Mary said this out of gratitude. She, a girl of no exceptional means or riches, was told by the angel Gabriel that she was chosen for a special purpose. She may not have realized the full implications of all that was revealed to her, but she knew enough to know this was extraordinary. And she was certainly blessed to be part of a plan of this magnitude.
We don't know much about Mary. We know she was an adolescent of humble beginnings. We also know by her reaction that she had a pure and innocent faith, strong enough to accept God's plan for her life.
When the angel appeared, Mary had enough sense to ask, "How can this be?" But the miracles of the pregnancies of Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth answer Mary's question. In fact, Mary's song is a repeat of Hannah's exultant song which she sang when Samuel was born.
These were inspired births and inspired women. God willed it and it was done. Mary had to accept the fact that she would be the one to bring forth the only Son of God, the Messiah, the King of all kings. If Mary ever bragged to her cousin or in her thoughts, she had every right, for this was a sacred privilege and a wondrous calling!
"He has looked with favor upon me. Surely from now on all will call me blessed."
Yes, you were blessed. You were favored. Shout it out, Mary!
-- Berg
At first glance of this passage, one might say those were Mary's words. But a deeper look lets us know that Mary said this out of gratitude. She, a girl of no exceptional means or riches, was told by the angel Gabriel that she was chosen for a special purpose. She may not have realized the full implications of all that was revealed to her, but she knew enough to know this was extraordinary. And she was certainly blessed to be part of a plan of this magnitude.
We don't know much about Mary. We know she was an adolescent of humble beginnings. We also know by her reaction that she had a pure and innocent faith, strong enough to accept God's plan for her life.
When the angel appeared, Mary had enough sense to ask, "How can this be?" But the miracles of the pregnancies of Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth answer Mary's question. In fact, Mary's song is a repeat of Hannah's exultant song which she sang when Samuel was born.
These were inspired births and inspired women. God willed it and it was done. Mary had to accept the fact that she would be the one to bring forth the only Son of God, the Messiah, the King of all kings. If Mary ever bragged to her cousin or in her thoughts, she had every right, for this was a sacred privilege and a wondrous calling!
"He has looked with favor upon me. Surely from now on all will call me blessed."
Yes, you were blessed. You were favored. Shout it out, Mary!
-- Berg
