Opus 2018-288: Want to Be Highly Favored?

Mary was a wise woman even if she was young.  She had been listening in Sunday School and paying attention to life around her.  So when the Gabriel showed up she was a bit upset.

(Luke 1:29 KJV)  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

What got her “troubled”?  It was probably his opening words.

(Luke 1:28 KJV)  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.

She was worried because Gabriel said she was “highly favored”. 

Now most people would think this was cool.  “I am favored by God.  Look out world, here I come.”  You know the statement “If God is for you, who can be against you.”  That is an example of worldly application of eternal truths.

We need to understand that when God says we are worthy and blessed it usually means, “You have been selected for something that is going to challenge the sox off you.”  God has an agenda.  He has a universe to put through its paces and, to be honest, your personal agenda for the day is not His number one priority.  Mary was doing okay.  She had a husband lined up.  She had her place in society.  She was recognized by all as a virtuous young lady.  Life was planned out.

Then God said, “Have I got a job for you.”

Mary knew this was not going to end well.  She was right.  It started with being branded as a slut and having her husband-to-be getting ready to send her away to a home in the country.  It ended in standing at the foot of a cross where her first born had been crucified.  Okay, it did not end there.  He was resurrected, but she did not know that at the time.

Are you ready for God to use you?  I am almost sure that it will be a hard road.  It will also be a glorious road. 

homo unius libri