Highly Favored

 Luke 1:27-30

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."

When the angel told Mary that she was highly favored by God. This expression meant that Mary had been given much grace or "unmerited favor" from God. Even with God's favor, Mary would still suffer much.

Her family was poor and this made her unsuitable in the eyes of her people to be used mightily of God. However, God knew she would willingly serve Him in one of the most important callings ever given to a human being. Just like Mary, God looks at our obedience and trust — and it is usually not the qualifications that man might prefer. God often chooses the most unlikely candidate.

Mary was a very disciplined and devoted young girl to God. God knew that Mary had a humble heart and that is what He looks for in each of us. She would be the only human being to be with Jesus throughout his entire life. She gave birth to Jesus and was with him in his death as the Savior of the world. Mary the earthly mother of Jesus is not someone to be worshiped but to be thankful for her love and dedication to her God.

After the angel appeared and told Mary the baby would be God's Son, she said, "I am the Lord's servant ... may it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38). She knew of the Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah; she quoted from the Old Testament. To be so young and have that kind of response tells us a lot about Mary the mother of Jesus.

Mary may not have understood the full extent of her present and future sufferings. I am sure she had a lot of questions, even in her young mind there would be the disgrace as others saw her as an unwed mother, then what would Joseph think about all of this, would he divorce her? By Jewish law she could have been stoned to death. I can see how God quieted her thoughts on many occasions. Near the end of her journey as the mother of Jesus she may not have expected the pain of watching her beloved Jesus bear the weight of sin and die a terrible death on the cross. Mary's submission to God's plan would cost her dearly, yet she was willing to be God's servant.

After the salutation from the Angel, Mary went to visit Elizabeth at her home. In response to her Cousin Elizabeth's greeting, Mary burst out in praise to God, it is a beautiful song of praise called The Magnificat or Mary's Song, what a joyous prayer full of God’s Word. This song even gives us more insight to this young woman of God. When you read it you can see her heart.

Will you willingly accept God's plan? Can you rejoice in God's plan, like Mary did, even when we know that it will cost us greatly? Perhaps right now you have more questions than you do answers. It is hard to understand what is going on and where is this all going to take me. Like Mary, accept what God has for you, stay around those that will encourage you on your journey and just sing praises from His Word.That worked for our Lord's mother Mary and it will work for you.Would God say to you, "you have found favor with God."

God BlessYou
Joanie

 Mary's Song of Praise

 Then Mary said,

"My soul praises the Lord;

 my heart rejoices in God my Savior,

 because he has shown his concern for his humble servant girl.

From now on, all people will say that I am blessed,

 because the Powerful One has done great things for me.

His name is holy.

 God will show his mercy forever and ever

to those who worship and serve him.

 He has done mighty deeds by his power.

He has scattered the people who are proud

and think great things about themselves.

 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

and raised up the humble.

 He has filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away with nothing.

 He has helped his servant, the people of Israel,

remembering to show them mercy

 as he promised to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his children forever."

(Awesome, a young teenage girl praising her God)