Read: Luke 1:26–38
“You will conceive and give birth to a son,
and you are to call him Jesus.”
Luke 1:31
Six months after Elizabeth’s long-awaited conception, her relative is visited by the same angel who visited her husband. Mary (Miriam in Hebrew) is a young teenager betrothed to Joseph, a fellow descendant of David living in the town of Nazareth.
The angel Gabriel’s first words to Mary are words I imagine all of us would love to hear directly from the Lord: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” However, hearing this face-to-face from an angel might be a little unsettling, as it is for both Zechariah and Mary. She ponders what’s going on, trying to figure it out. The Greek word used here for “pondering” is dialogizomai, which means to reckon thoroughly. I reckon I would be reckoning too!
Gabriel’s first word to Mary in Greek, chairō, means rejoice, or be glad. This is the origin of the Latin phrase “Ave Maria,” or in its better known English form, “Hail, Mary.” Perhaps you have heard this phrase in the prayers of Catholics or in the famous song at Christmastime. If you read the English translation of the lyrics, however, you will notice that it practically deifies Mary. More on this issue in a few days.
Gabriel then proceeds to inform Mary of the miracle about to take place in her virgin body—a conception without sexual relations. As if a virgin birth to a boy named Jesus isn’t news enough, Gabriel shares an additional tidbit that will only affect all of mankind for eternity. Mary will give birth to Christos, the Anointed One, the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of the world.
We have to assume that as Mary questions Gabriel about this, she does not ask in doubt or ask for a sign as Zechariah does. Rather, it must be out of wonder and sheer amazement. Her response after Gabriel’s explanation demonstrates the position of her heart: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answers, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Her submission to God’s will and her simple faith shine through.
God does just as Gabriel conveys and literally touches the wombs of both Elizabeth and Mary. He does what He said He would do. I find great comfort in this. Gabriel’s last words to Mary are indeed the last words on the matter. They are the words we need to focus on when we are tempted with doubt: “For no word from God will ever fail.” Nothing is impossible with God. It’s a done deal before it happens in reality.
In Genesis, the angel rhetorically asked Sarah, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (18:14). The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, “Nothing is too hard for you” (32:17). God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (55:11). As an adult, Jesus will later say that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Do our doubting hearts need more proof? God is sovereign and immutable; He is over everything and does not change. He will do what He says He will do. This is truth whether it is in Scripture or it is a message conveyed to us on a personal level, such as through the Holy Spirit. Let us be found faithful and with the answer ready on our lips, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”