Luke 1:29-33 (NIV)
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him 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 Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
As we have slowly been making our way through the events of Christmas, I have enjoyed getting reacquainted with the main players. Yesterday, Mary entered the scene and Gabriel appeared once again. We will stay here with them for the next few days.
Gabriel goes on to tell Mary what God has in store for her. He tells her she is going to give birth to the Son of God. He tells her to name the child, Jesus. Jesus means the Lord saves. Jesus can also be translated as Joshua.
Yesterday, as I was writing, the Lord reminded me of Joshua leading the people into the Promised Land. I compared him to Mary. But today, as I was reading a commentary, I was struck by the fact that Jesus and Joshua are essentially the same name. Both Jesus and Joshua led their people. Jesus leads us into a relationship with Him. Gabriel points out that “his kingdom will never end.” Jesus leads us into an eternal relationship with Him.
As you pass nativity scenes in the mall or in front of a house, gaze upon the baby Jesus and remember the Lord saves!
