|
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
The angel started out by calling Mary “favored one,” and he repeats it again just a second later: “You have found favor with God.” It’s obviously important if he keeps saying it to her! What does this word “favor” mean?
I looked it up in the Greek, and it’s the same word we translate as “grace” elsewhere. Mary is about to receive a wonderful blessing from God—she will be the mother of Jesus our Savior. And she’s receiving that gift, not because she has earned it in any way—but rather because God is gracious and full of lovingkindness, and His goodness overflows onto her, freely and abundantly.
That’s true for us, too, isn’t it? We have found favor with God, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of Jesus, our Savior—the One who loves us so deeply He even laid down His life for us. Yes, and He rose from the dead so that He could share His own everlasting life with us who trust Him. He wants us with Him forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, it’s hard for me to believe You love me that much. Thank You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- When have you received something good in your life without earning or deserving it?
- Why does Jesus love you so dearly?
- How do you feel, knowing that you are one of God’s favored ones?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
|
