How? Now? Wow!

How? Now? Wow!

Luke 1:26, 34-35NKJV

One well-known Christian author, James Montgomery Boice, once documented some amazing things about Jesus’ virgin birth, sinless life and sacrificial death accomplished for mankind as an amazing sign of His love:

Jesus endured a human birth to give us a new spiritual birth.

He occupied a stable that we might occupy a mansion.

He had an earthly mother so that we might have a heavenly Father.

He became subject so that we might be free.

He left his glory to give us glory.

He was poor that we might be rich.

He was welcomed by shepherds at His birth so we through our new birth can one day be welcomed by angels. He was hunted by Herod that we might be delivered from the grasp of Satan.

That is the great paradox of the Christmas story. It is that which makes it irresistibly attractive. It is the reversal of roles at God’s cost for our benefit.

(Source: James Montgomery Boice. "The Christ of Christmas" (Chicago: Moody, 1983) p. 59. From a sermon by Allen Calkins, Your Savior is Born: AS PROMISED, 12/13/2009)

Mary and this marvelous conception.

We are in wonder about Mary and rightfully so, however, we possess that same spirit that rouse Jesus Christ from the grave!

Romans 8:11NLT The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

I believe that the angel Gabriel left Mary thinking at least three different thoughts:

How? Now? Wow!

Luke 1:26, 34-35NKJV 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (To the majority of priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees that was blasphemy).

1. This marvelous conception left Mary asking angel Gabriel, How?

Again, Luke 1:34AMP Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin and have no intimacy with any man?”

Have you ever said to God, “Lord, I don’t know how you will ever pull this off!”

“How can this be?” You might ask, “How can God help me now?”

When God is in the equation everything changes.

Psalm 18:29KJV For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.”

The angel goes on and states, “Look, your relative Elisabeth, the one they called ‘barren’ is with child!”

Again, Mary declares, “How can this be?” The Lord say’s, “Don’t get bothered by the, How, just go on to the wow!”

And then the angel declares in, Luke 1:37AMP “For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.””

2. This spiritual-conception/ miraculous virgin birth, left Mary asking angel Gabriel, Now?

Mary might have thought, “Now.”

“Right now?”

“Why now?”

Mary could have said, “Now Lord? Lord your timing isn’t the best right now, you see, well you see Lord, I’m engaged, and Lord, what will the people say?” “I’m not going to do it.”

Regardless, Mary received Gabriel’s message. Luke 1:38AMP Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel left her.

What was Mary saying? “Lord, Not my will, but your will be done.”

Mary received.

She didn’t procrastinate or reason with Gabriel, -Mary believed.

Did you know that the Bible declares, “The just shall live by faith at least 38 times.”

Again, Luke 1:38TM And Mary said, “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” Then the angel left her.

What is 750,000 miles long, reaches around the earth 30 times, and grows 20 miles longer each day? Give up? Here’s the answer:

“It’s the line of people who are without Christ.”

Say, “Now.” Say, “Let it be.” Don’t say- Now? (Hand gesture) Say, Now!

3. This spiritual undertaking, or spiritual-conception, left Mary shouting and singing, Wow!

“I personally testify that Gods marvelous conception within leaves me saying, Wow!” P.H

2 Corinthians 4:7TPT We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s, not ours.

Paul is saying in, 2 Corinthians 4:7 “God meant for Him, and only Him, to be wowed!”

* What about Mary’s parents?

* What about her relatives?