This sermon explores the divine possibilities in our lives when we open ourselves to God's call, using Mary's story as an example of humble servitude.
Good morning, beloved family! It is always a joy to gather together in this sacred space, a place where we meet not just with each other, but with the God who loves us beyond measure. Today, we gather to reflect on a story that is as timeless as it is transformative, a story that speaks to us of the divine possibilities that can manifest in our lives when we open ourselves to the call of God.
Our Scripture reading today is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26-38. Let us listen to the Word of God: "In the sixth month, 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.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 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, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.' 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her.'"
This passage is a testament to the divine possibilities that God can bring into our lives. It speaks of the majesty of God's call and the mission of servitude that we are all invited to embrace.
When we think about the story of Mary, we are struck by the sheer magnitude of what she was called to do. A young woman, engaged to be married, is visited by an angel and told she will bear the Son of God. It's a story that's familiar to us, but when we really stop and consider it, it's truly astounding.
Mary was just a regular person, living her life, when suddenly she was presented with a divine possibility. She was given a mission that was far beyond anything she could have ever imagined for herself. And yet, she accepted it. She said yes to God's call. This is the first thing we need to understand about divine possibilities. They are not limited by our human understanding or expectations. Divine possibilities are, by their very nature, beyond our comprehension. And yet, they are also deeply personal. Mary was chosen and favored by God. She was seen and known and loved by Him.
Secondly, divine possibilities are not just about what we are called to do, but also about who we are called to be. Mary was called to be the mother of Jesus, but she was also called to be a woman of faith, courage, and humility. She was called to be a servant of God. This is a crucial point. Divine possibilities are not just about doing great things for God. They are also about becoming more like Him. They are about growing in faith, in love, in humility, and in service.
Now, let's consider the role of the Holy Spirit in all of this. The angel told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and that the power of the Most High would overshadow her. This is a powerful image. It speaks of the presence and power of God in our lives. It speaks of His ability to work in and through us, to bring about His divine possibilities.
The Holy Spirit is our guide, our comforter, our helper. He is the one who empowers us to answer God's call. He is the one who equips us with the faith, the courage, the humility, and the love we need to fulfill our divine mission. Without the Holy Spirit, we are powerless. But with Him, we can do all things.
Finally, let's consider the role of faith. Mary's response to the angel's message was one of faith. She didn't understand how it was possible, but she believed that it was. She trusted in God's promise. She had faith in His power and His plan.
Faith is the key to unlocking divine possibilities. It is the bridge between our human limitations and God's divine power. It is how we accept God's call and step into the life He has for us. Without faith, divine possibilities remain just that - possibilities. But with faith, they become realities.
In the heart of this passage, we find the majesty of God's call ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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