NOTE: This post continues a series of writings through the book of Luke. See the previous post here.

Once again in Luke’s writings, he emphasizes two details about the meeting between God’s heavenly messengers and humans. The people are afraid of the angels they are encountering, but God meets them where they are with comfort and peace.

“Do not be afraid,” the messenger reassures, “for you have found favor with God.” 

What a remedy for the fear inside Mary.

Gabriel continues on and states that Mary will have a son who “will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.” He speaks specifically to this son’s identity, authority, and inheritance; and there’s talk of thrones and kingdoms and eternity. 

This moment is when everything changes.

And yet, we take a step back and recognize that this divine encounter did not occur in a great hall or palace; it wasn’t a conversation between a heavenly being and a philosophical scholar; and the chosen bearer of the savior of the world wasn’t from a lofty household with authority and privilege.

God sent his messenger to an unnamed location in Nazareth and chose an unmarried, teenage girl to bring about the redeemer of humanity.

What do we learn about God in this passage? Do you ever doubt if God can use you or if your current situation is “good enough” for the miraculous to happen?

How can you glorify the Lord in your life today?