“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. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:26-28 KJV).
These passages start by stating "in the sixth month" in reference to the term of Elizabeth's pregnancy with her coming son John the Baptist. And it goes on to reintroduce the angel Gabriel, who is described as being sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth. He is the same angel who announced to Zacharias that their prayer for a son is answered. This is a crucial moment in the unfolding of God’s plan for the world, as it marks the divine visitation to Mary. The commissioning of the angel Gabriel as the messenger of God carries significance as he ‘stands in the presence of God’ (Luke 1:19). He carries God’s heavenly authority.
Gabriel is sent by God to announce to the virgin named Mary of the house of King David who is betrothed to a man named Joseph also a descendant of King David, that she will bear a Son through the Holy Spirit. Mary was espoused to Joseph, but had not yet consummated their marriage. It therefore underscores that this conception is miraculous and sacred.
This fulfills Old Testament prophecy, which states, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14). God's plan for the coming of His Son is set in motion. Gabriel’s pronouncement “the Lord is with you” invokes comfort and assurance, indicating God's powerful presence in Mary's life. This points to the Lord’s assurance to us all who believe and totally depend on His grace. The Lord Jesus proclaimed to the disciples and to us that followed Him: “…. behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20b ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
No comments:
Post a Comment