Friday, December 22, 2017

December 23, 2017 - MARY’S FAITHFUL ANSWER


Day 357 - Habakkuk & Revelation 14

“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4b ESV)

The prophet Habakkuk was used by the Lord to do all that he could to keep God’s people focused on the coming of the Messiah. He encouraged them to have faith in the coming of their promised Savior. 

In tomorrow’s Gospel reading we will be blessed with account of a simple young woman’s response to an amazing announcement. The amazing part of this announcement was not the fact that it came from the angel Gabriel. The amazing part was the news that the Messiah was coming.

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus...”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God... 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:30-38 ESV)

How amazing, Mary was to be the mother of Jesus, the long promised Messiah. His birth would be miraculous – no father – “conceived by the Holy Spirit.” And while Mary had her question, she accepted Gabriel’s answer with these faithful words: 

 “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; 
let it be to me according to your word.”

Her answer shows her trust in God and her willingness to follow Him – to live by faith and to follow His Word.

As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Mary’s precious baby boy, may you follow her example of living by faith!

Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Mary’s faithful service. As You led Mary to follow Your Word, so lead and bless me too, that all that I do may glorify You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow! 
St. Paul's - Brown Deer 
... Communion Service at 9:00 am
... Candlelight Service at 5:30 pm
... Christmas Day Festival Service at 9:00 am

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

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