Big News Bringer: Gabriel
Read: Luke 1:26-38
Have you ever delivered big news to someone? Depending on the specifics, you may have found it either a thrilling opportunity or a dreaded responsibility.
Big news was Gabriel’s business. Tasked by God to deliver important messages, he’d once been sent to help the prophet Daniel understand a complex vision of the end times (Daniel 9:20-27).
But Gabriel’s mission to Mary was perhaps the biggest news yet. Would such news be overwhelming to the girl?
“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” Gabriel began.
Then as Gabriel stood before Mary, his bright figure filling the room, he recognized that she was troubled. His first job was to reassure her.
“Do not be afraid,” he told Mary. “You have found favor with God.”
Mary would give birth to a baby boy, the long-promised Messiah. The moment that generations had waited for was finally here: The Lord was coming to save His people.
Gabriel knew that she’d have questions: How can this be? I’m not married yet.
As Gabriel delivered answers, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you,” he may have thought Mary took the news remarkably well. Indeed, the girl seemed to simply . . . trust.
“I am the servant of the Lord,” she said. “Let it be to me according to your word.” In other words, she was saying, I will trust in His plan. If only everyone faced big news as this young teen had.
Reflect
Every family faces big moments, events that redirect plans. How can you have Mary’s response, to trust that God will be with you?
Pray about It
Pray that God will grant you an attitude of humility and trust when facing big news.