Holy Boldness

was not a mere statement of God giving grace to an underserving person but was rather a personal encouragement to one who had attracted God’s attention. Gabriel’s announcement of divine favor was akin to when Samuel stated in reference to David, “The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart…”. (1 Samuel 13:14) It means that Mary was more than a random pick on God’s part but had been someone who captured His attention and won His favor. Though Gabriel’s greeting of Mary was powerful and unusual, the message he came to deliver was truly unprecedented. Gabriel told her she was going to become the mother of a great son, who would become the king of Israel. Gabriel articulated the prophetic message in eight specific details: 1. You will conceive in your womb 2. and bear a son 3. and you shall name Him Jesus; 4. He will be great 5. and will be called the Son of the Most High, 6. and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David 7. and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, 8. and His kingdom will have no end. 7 Imagine trying to get your mind around such a word. Every statement is packed full of implications and could be cross-referenced with many other scriptures and prophetic promises. Essentially, in one sentence Gabriel touched the core of all of Israel’s messianic expectations and landed them all in the lap of a single child. But much of what Gabriel said seemed to be lost on the young maiden, Mary. She got stuck on the first line, namely, “You will conceive in your womb…” Mary was perplexed by the announcement because she was a virgin and so she humbly asked how it could be possible that she would become pregnant being a virgin. The meekness and humility expressed in the question gives insight as to why Mary had found God’s favor. In simple, non-explicit terms Gabriel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, and for that reason, the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.” (v.35) Gabriel then confirmed the viability of his prediction by saying that Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, who had been considered barren, had also conceived

7

Luke 1:31-33

2 9