Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’”
We meet Gabriel once again. This time his greeting is different. He starts with an affirmation. He tells her she is “highly favored.” He then tells her, “The Lord is with you.”
Moses said something very similar to Joshua before Joshua led the people into the Promised Land. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Joshua was about to do something exciting and scary.
Mary was about to do the same thing. She was to be the mother of God’s Son; no higher honor has ever been given. She was also going to experience judgment from those around her. The young “virgin” was not so virtuous, getting pregnant before she was married. It was scandalous.
Mary needed to hear that the Lord would be with her. Friends, He is with you too. Are you in the midst of a trial? Take heart, “The Lord is with you.”
