Luke 1:26-38
A very popular preacher likes to use the word “favor” to indicate the release of God’s blessings. He is prone to say, “We must get ourselves in the place of God’s favor if we want to receive His blessings.”
While that might make a good motivational message, it implies that we must do something to earn God’s favor, but that is not according to Scripture. Mary is portrayed as an obedient, believing and worshipful young woman, but that isn’t why God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. When the angel came to her and told her of her assignment, she was not seeking it, nor did she ever expect to receive it. All Mary could do was to respond humbly: “Here I am Lord, let it be unto me according to your word!”
If God’s favor was extended to you today, how do you think it would be manifested? Would you expect some kind of temporal blessing, or new opportunity of ministry, or an answer to your prayer? Or, would you expect an angel to come into your bedroom and give you an assignment that no one would believe, an assignment that would drastically change your life, but would also change the whole world?
God delights in giving out those ‘life-changing” assignments. Should one of those come along today, what would be your response? Like Mary, our first response would be in doubt – surely God is not calling me to do that – surely there are other folks who are more qualified to do that!
If the Catholics have made too much of Mary, perhaps we evangelicals have made too little of her. Mary, who was probably no more than 14-years old, gives us the example of what our response to God should be, when He “favors” us with our assignment. “Let it be unto me according to thy word!”
Can you say that to the Lord today? Whatever assignment He gives to you, do it with all your might, and all for His glory. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Someone is waiting on you to show them God’s favor.
