Characters at the Cradle: Mary, A Servant of God

by David Chadwick

I hope you are enjoying these characters at the cradle. These are stories of biblical figures who find their lives intersecting with the entrance of Jesus into the world. In each story, you will see so much wonder, purpose and significance.

After Mary had the encounter with the angel Gabriel, her response spoke volumes. However, before we see how she responded, do you remember what Zechariah’s response was when Gabriel told him that he would have a son after many years of waiting and praying? Zechariah spoke words of doubt and unbelief, and because of that, he was made mute throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

As you consider the implications of unbelief in Zechariah’s life, let us finish this week by pondering Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel after all that she heard.

Mary was different. Of course, she was initially stunned. But after realizing what Gabriel came to tell her, Mary showed nothing but faith. She said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). There was not even a shred of unbelief in her response. Only words of faith.

Mary was the kind of woman who all women (and men!) should admire. Though not sinless, she should be a model for how to relinquish control of our lives and submit to God’s call. Instead of shrugging her shoulders with a casual, compromising “whatever” in unbelief, she held herself strong and said, “Whatever you will, my God.”

God wants all of us to have a heart that is postured toward this kind of surrender and trust. A disposition that is willing to do whatever God calls us to do, no matter the cost.

After Mary’s response, Gabriel departed from her. It is almost as if he knew his task was complete. The message was delivered. Her faith was evident. Job well done.

Gabriel then returned to the Father in heaven for his next assignment…

Characters at the Cradle: Mary, Nothing is Impossible

by David Chadwick

Mary. Cousin to Elizabeth. Betrothed to Joseph. Visited by the angel Gabriel. While she wore many hats, the most important one was this: Mary, mother of Jesus!

After Gabriel visited Mary, she became aware of the divine conception that would take place in her womb. She also found out that her formerly barren cousin, Elizabeth, was now with child. The story of Mary is full of faith, hope, and wonder.

Threaded throughout Mary’s life is a strong and fervent belief that with God, nothing is impossible! In fact, these were Gabriel’s last words to Mary (Luke 1:37).

Take a moment to break down this verse with me today. It starts with these two words: “for nothing.” As I often joke, I looked up nothing in the dictionary. Guess what it means? Nothing. Not a single thing. Then comes that word “impossible.” Did you know there is not one single hurdle, roadblock, or setback that is impossible for the Lord?

The next two words are also very important: with God. Communion with the Father. A life of abiding. Perfect union with the God of creation. The Savior of the world was ushered in on a foundation of faith and a life deeply connected to the Father.

What a firm foundation!

This theme of faith is found throughout the Bible. Do you remember Sarah? After 25 years of waiting for a promised son, she was told that one year later she would finally have a son (Genesis 18:14).

Then in Jeremiah 32:17, we are told that nothing is beyond the power of our God who created the heavens and the earth.

Consider Jesus’s own words in Matthew 19:26: “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”’

Meditate on Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

We should contemplate these truths today and forever. Whatever you are facing, consider Sarah, consider Jeremiah. Meditate on Scripture that strengthens your faith. Now consider again this beautiful story of Mary. And remember that with God, nothing is impossible.

Just as Mary did, let us all contemplate these last words for our lives today as well.

Nothing is impossible for God.

Characters at the Cradle: Mary, Gabriel's Message

by David Chadwick

Gabriel’s initial appearance to Mary left her “greatly troubled” as she tried to figure out why he said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” The angel went on to tell Mary not to fear and explained that she had found favor with God.

Mary settled into the news that she would bear a son and would call him Jesus. He would be the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Gabriel went on to say that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. With every word that she held in her heart, her fear turned to faith.

After a powerful proclamation of the news of the coming King, Gabriel gave Mary an “Oh, by the way.” What did he tell Mary, you might ask? He said, and I paraphrase, “Oh, by the way, your cousin Elizabeth, in her old age, is also with child.” He told her that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant with a son and was just six months ahead of Mary. If you remember, Elizabeth was barren and she had been totally healed!

Can you imagine Mary trying to process all this information?

In those moments following Gabriel’s message, Mary had to contemplate that she was a virgin who would be having a child who was the Son of the Most High God. She also had to wrap her head around the fact that her cousin Elizabeth was also going to have a miracle child as well. In Elizabeth’s old age, she found herself miraculously pregnant.

Without Gabriel telling her, Mary could not have known of her cousin’s pregnancy because Elizabeth had been in solitude and quiet for five months. In those quiet early months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, without a soul ever knowing, promise was growing, hope was arising, and promise was flourishing. Every word of the story God was writing would point to the ultimate hero, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

I wonder if Mary had enough time to even contemplate all that was happening in those moments. Do you think she had the wherewithal to recognize God’s redemptive purpose for all of mankind? Did she feel the anticipation swelling inside of her? Was she overjoyed? Was she stunned? I’m sure there was a mixture of many emotions!

Whether she fully knew it or not, Mary was watching the early stages of God’s plan of salvation begin to unfold before her very eyes!