Mary Believes God’s Message Luke 1:26-38

Nazareth to Bethlehem

GABRIEL ( ‘ man of God’ or ‘ strength of God’). One of the two angels whom the Bible names: the other is *Michael. He is sent to interpret Daniel’s vision (Dn. 8:16) and to give him the prophecy of the 70 weeks (Dn. 9:21). [1][1] [1] Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (389). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

Fear –Angels of the Lord consistently say “Do not be afraid” –John the Apostle says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” –Jesus says, “do not let your hearts be troubled”

What might God ask you to do that would cause you great fear? Are you willing to let his Love overcome your fear?

Favour – Greetings, O favoured one… you have found favour with God… –Cf Daniel 9:23 and 10:11 – “O, Daniel, man greatly beloved” –Is there anything extraordinary about Mary or Daniel? Differences: –Peasant girl – Noble Courtier –Free - Slave –Woman - Man

Favour – Greetings, O favoured one… you have found favour with God… Similarities –Family line of Judah –God honouring lifestyle choices –Both were young when there lives were intervened upon for God’s purpose Two things make them extrodinary: –They were faithful in little things Most importantly, they were chosen by God

Have you experienced God’s Favour? Pray Luke 2:42 for yourself and your family!!! Pray it for your Pastor and the Church!!!

Family: The Throne of His Father, David a.Family Trees – Matthew vs Luke i.Differences – 1.Matthew goes to Abraham; Luke goes to Adam 2.Matthew starts with Abraham working forward; Luke starts with Jesus working backward ii.Emphasis – 1.Matthew – to primarily a Jewish audience 2.Luke – to Theophilus, a Greek speaking gentile.

b.Significance hard to imagine – Bethlehem as the place of the Family i.Do you have a favourite family spot? i.homestead? ii.family grave plot? iii.village named after you like Newellton or Lockeport? ii.Imagine having thousands of years of known family history – not six or seven generations like we have in the “New World” c.The promise to David” 2 Samuel 7:16 16 u And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. 2 u Your throne shall be established forever.’ ”

What is in your ancestry? Are there curses to break and overcome in you and your generation? Are there promises and assets that would greatly advance the Kingdom?

Forever – And of His Kingdom there shall be no end… a.No coincidence that Gabriel is given the privilege to let Daniel, Zechariah and Mary know about Jesus! b.See some of the Prophesy in the Word regarding the everlasting Kingdom: Dan. 2:44; 7:14, 18, 27; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 11:15; [John 12:34]

c.Consider the prophesy in Daniel 9:24-25 – esp reference to Most Holy and Messiah the Prince Daniel 9:23–25 (NKJV) 23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:

24 “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.

25 “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.

Will you live your life with eternity in mind? Can you see beyond your current experience toward the reality of forever?

Applications a.Face your fear – may we have a fear of God!!! b.Know you are favoured!!! The love God the Father has lavished on us through Jesus His son and revealed to us by His Spirit!!! c.Join the Forever Family – let go of boasting or shame related to your earthly family – be free to be first and foremost a child of God by faith! d.Forever is Forever!!!! Are you prepared?

Mary believed God’s Message: Do You?