The Chosen One

The world was wailing for the Messiah to be born to a poor unmarried Hebrew girl.

Mary was chosen by God to play the role of the mother. In today’s devotion, we’re going to learn two dominant characters that led God to choose Mary.

1. Mary had a willing heart.

Luke 1:28-38
28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Mary probably had many questions and thoughts in her mind when the angel spoke to her. She must have been surprised and fearful.

Many questions would have gone in her mind.
- What will my fiance think? Will he reject me?
- What will my neighbors and people around think?
- What about my family?
- What is going to happen to my reputation?

Yes, she probably went through all these thoughts but her fear for God stood out rather than her other fears.

This shows a willing heart. What is your response to sudden surprise?

Do you fear God and surrender to his plan, or do you let the fear of your family/work/society control you? We need to have a willing heart.

She had to be willing to move to another town from her town.

She had to deliver in a manger (Lk 2:4-7) She was still willing to surrender.

Are you settled in your work place? (Even if it is worldly and they are ask you to work overtime).

Do you feel like you cannot move from your area to help out another ministry or volunteer to go on a mission team?

Spiritual zeal is not settling or looking for comfort or recognition, but to go according to God’s plan even though it does not seem pleasing.

2. Mary had a supportive heart.

John 19:25-26
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"

Jesus, her son was going through agony. Throughout the time of crucification, she was willing to walk along with him and suffered pain just like him. She could have said - I cannot bear, it hurts me / Let me stay behind at home / I can’t see all the pain. Instead she was very supportive in the ministry of God.Today how much are we willing to support the church?

Do we pray with other Christians who need help? / Do we teach young Christians how to be a strong disciple? / Do we take care of widows and sick people?

Do we make excuses instead of being supportive?

I cannot go out / I am busy with my family / I cannot get up in the morning.

Willing to be supportive is very important as disciple of Jesus.

Write things that you can be a support in the ministry and practice for God to be glorified.