Luke 1:26-33
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 1:26-33 picturing Mary’s encounter with Gabriel and noticing her reactions.
Imagine having been taught your entire life about an event, predicted for hundreds and hundreds of years, that would alter the course of history when it occurred. At some point, the story of the promised Messiah had probably become the stuff of legends for many people, and even for those true believers, the coming of the Savior of Israel must have seemed like a far-off dream.
But now the Angel Gabriel stands in front of the young and innocent commoner named Mary and tells her that she will be instrumental in the fulfillment of God’s promise. Mary is understandably shocked.
In many Christian faith traditions, this declaration is recited regularly: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” Does the return of the risen Jesus seem like a legend or a far-off dream to you? Share your thoughts about this with Jesus now.
Read Luke 1:26-33 again paying special attention to Gabriel’s description of Jesus.
What Gabriel shares is completely beyond Mary’s frame of reference in multiple ways. First, and most obvious, Gabriel is explaining that a virgin will give birth, but along with that out-of-the-box declaration, Gabriel also announces that the baby this girl bears will be both divine and human – the “Son of the Most High” and the descendant of David. And then to wrap things up, Gabriel proclaims that the Kingdom of Jesus will be different from every other human kingdom, in that his will be a Kingdom that lasts forever.
Take a moment to quiet yourself and to recognize the presence of Jesus around and within you in this moment. Then consider how open you are to the fact that God’s ways will often be beyond your frame of reference.
Consider picturing yourself before Jesus with open hands ready to trust him with any out-of-the-box invitations he has for you. Then listen to him.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
How will you respond?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
