Nothing Impossible With God (Luke 1:26-38)

Often, names mean something in scripture, especially when the word “name” is attached to it, like “named Nazareth”: guarded one. Joseph means, “Let him add”, and Mary means, “rebellion”  - "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" (vs26-27).

Here God glimpses us into Mary’s rebellion, wickedness, and sin! This woman is no different than anyone of us. She is “black and comely” as a child of God - vile and yet holy by the gospel and newness of life. She is wicked in self, saved by grace, and this magnifies God, who does GREAT things with evil people.

Among women, she is blessed to mother God with us, Immanuel (Matt 1:23).  She pictures God’s power to transform and use us.  She is someone MADE able to birth God by the Spirit’s power, doing for her the impossible - “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Greetings, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women.  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of greeting this should be” (vs28-29).

Fear is natural to us because of sin, and the gospel is the remedy, as we trust God amidst our FEARS to have paid for and provided help for sin, trusting Him with the mess we’ve made as a gracious God -“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God”  (vs30).

Hear the trumpet!  We have “favor with God“, out of all the people in the world. We are the remnant God’s elected in love to have favor unstoppable and predetermined (Eph 1:4-6).  Just as God came to Mary, He comes and teaches us GLAD tidings of good news.  By this, we can believe and RECEIVE what’s promised for ours and other people’s good.

The blessing is the Son of God Himself, given to us, as He was to the world.  The Son came by the means of her womb, and He comes to us by the gospel preached by the church, declaring the salvation that’s in Christ: we have everything because He died.  God’s blessed us justly.  He honored His wrath and earned His gifts to us.  He DEALT with sin publicly, atoning it in the Son.  He raised Him victoriously, declaring, “’Tis’ done! ‘Tis’ done!” (John 19:30) Bless God, the wrath finished when Christ paid for sins.  You are blessed by His gift of righteousness and Spirit - “And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end“ (vs31-33).

Christ is the Ruler forever.  He is the One in charge, having earned His rightful place.  Not only as God is He worthy, but as the Son of Man He redeemed mankind, and must be honored as Lord.

DOUBTS AND FEARS OVERCOME

We may speak to God in Christ without fear of rejection and closed ears.  Come by faith - “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man” (vs34)? She says, “It is impossible.  Help me”, not, “It is impossible, you’re lying”.  He speaks back, hearing and helping - “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God” (vs35).

God does the saving.  He does what you and I cannot, and He does it for us and others.  We pray to Him, and He answers, “I’ll do it“.  The Son of God - God in human form, nature, and appearance, yet a perfect Man - was born to us AS promised.  He’s honored Himself, and can save us from sin.   He’ll DESTROY all who despise His holy offering.  He even gives us evidence - “And, behold, your cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren” (vs36).  Don’t wonder it can’t be done. Elizabeth has done it, so can you.  Others serve, you can also (Eph 3:8).  It isn’t theory but fact with her; it can be seen.  Test Me!  With her that could do nothing, just like you, I have done great things.  She was unable, and it hindered Me not, and I’ve done that to prove to you what can be done in you.  Now, child of God, hear the teaching.  Jesus would have us LOOK at others saints, even Paul, even those who powerfully worship in our day and days past, and SEE what God will do for you (Phil 3:17).  He will do for you what He did for them, giving Himself FREELY and abundantly to you.  There is no hindrance but unbelief, the agony of Zachariah.  Be not doubtful - “For with God nothing shall be impossible“ (vs37).

Here is response of faith.  I submit.  I receive.  So be it, Lord - “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word.  And the angel departed from her” (vs38).  Unto me, even me - the lowest of the worms -, do exactly according to what You’ve said, You‘d do.