History Books in 90 Days: 1 Samuel 10-12
MARY & JOSEPH
Luke 1:30-34 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?” (NIV)
It is interesting to compare Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement with Zachariah’s
response. When the angel came to Zechariah with the announcement of John’s birth, he replied,
“How can I be sure of this?” (Luke 1:18) Yet Mary’s reply was “How will this be?” The reply
of Zechariah reports doubt, Mary’s question entertained no doubt but lack of understanding of the
manner of its accomplishment. Reverently, Mary readily complied with the purpose of God. She
knew there was nothing too hard for the Lord whom she placed her HOPE in. She also would have
known that her reputation would have been at stake but no objections were given by her. She
humbly accepted and replied, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said” (Luke
1:38). Her faith in and surrender to God enabled her to accept the situation, the suspicion of Joseph
and the world. Joseph was not the father of Mary’s baby yet he showed tender consideration and
godly character in his desire to “divorce her quietly” (Matt 1:19). God rewarded Joseph’s attitude
towards Mary by revealing His redemptive plan to Him through an angel (Matt 1:20-23). Scripture
tells us that Joseph immediately did what the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife (Matt
1:24). Joseph cared for Mary and her child with reverent devotion, even fleeing to Egypt to keep
them safe.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What things in your life do you sometimes feel are too hard for the Lord? Are you willing to give
them over to the Lord?
2. Mary’s response was one of humility, what is your response to the things that God has called
you to? Do you possess this same quality?
3. Pray that you would grow in humility and that you would feel that there is no job to small when
God has called you to it!
