Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#2]
GOD’S PERFECT PLAN
Luke 1:26-56
Introduction:
In a week of aggravation, sadness, anger, frustration, sickness, and many other negative things; my initial attitude to this morning’s Sermon was, “Just write a quick Sermon and enjoy your Saturday- No one is listening anyways.” Obviously, God is not going to put up with that type of attitude because His plan is always greater than man’s attitude and behavior.
I am always amazed at how God takes something or someone that seems plain and ordinary; and turns it into unbelievable and extraordinary. In our text today, we find Mary, a humble young woman faced with an unimaginable calling- To bear the Son of God. In her willingness to say "yes" to God's will, she becomes a pivotal instrument in our redemption story. Similarly, we witness Elizabeth, filled with excitement and faith, who recognizes the divine purpose at work even before her own circumstances seem complete.
In this season of anticipation and preparation, we are reminded that God’s plans are often hard to understand, yet they are undeniably perfect. Just as Mary and Elizabeth were chosen for their unique roles, each of us are called to participate in God’s grand design, no matter how ordinary our lives may appear. How will you respond to God’s perfect plan in your life?
Luke 1:26-33
1. The announcement of God’s plan.
The Angel Gabriel was sent by God to give the virgin Mary one of the most important messages ever given. The virgin birth of the Savior is at the center of the Gospel Message.
God's plan…
* Involves divine selection.
The Angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth to the virgin Mary, highlighting that God’s plan is initiated through the selection of an individual chosen for a sacred purpose. Mary's humble background demonstrates that God's plans are often fulfilled through ordinary people. This divine selection reflects God's sovereignty and intention to choose whom He wills, emphasizing that His purposes transcend human expectations and prejudices. The announcement not only reveals Mary's importance in God’s plan but also signifies that God often works through unexpected vessels to achieve His divine goals.
God's plan…
* Promises redemption.
The message shared with Mary speaks of the conception of Jesus, who would be called the Son of God and would save His people from their sins. This shows us the redemptive work of Christ in human history. The promise that Jesus would reign over the house of Jacob forever and that His Kingdom will have no end indicates that God’s plan is not only about personal salvation but the restoration of all creation. This message reflects the theme of hope, reminding us that God is actively working to mend the broken relationship between humanity and Himself through Jesus Christ.
God's plan…
* Goes beyond human understanding.
When the Angel announces that Mary will conceive as a virgin, it introduces a miraculous element that goes beyond normal human comprehension. Mary's initial confusion and question about how this could occur highlight the mystery of divine intervention in human affairs. This aspect of God's plan reminds believers that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
Luke 1:34-38
2. The acceptance of God’s plan.
Mary expressed her confusion of God’s plan; but then accepted God’s plan. How do you accept God’s plan when it makes no sense?
Follow God's plan even when it…
* Feels impossible.
Mary asked a sensible question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" Accepting God's plan often means trusting in His capabilities rather than our limitations. Mary’s willingness to embrace this seemingly impossible task demonstrates profound faith, illustrating that God often calls us to trust Him even when the situation appears beyond human capability.
Follow God's plan even when it…
* Challenges your understanding.
Mary’s initial response highlights the discomfort of accepting something that contradicts her understanding of how life works. She was trying to figure out her societal role, the expectations of marriage, and the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy. Accepting God's plan can lead us to confront our preconceptions and biases. Mary's eventual declaration, "I am the Lord's servant," indicates her choice to prioritize divine guidance over personal understanding, showing that faith sometimes requires surrendering our need for clarity.
Follow God's plan even when it…
* Leads to personal sacrifice.
Accepting God's plan meant for Mary that she would face significant personal challenges, including potential disgrace, separation from Joseph, and societal judgment. Her openness set forth a path filled with trials and uncertainties. Embracing God’s will often involves facing discomfort or loss, yet Mary’s response teaches us that true acceptance takes courage. By choosing to follow God's plan, we may be called to let go of our comfort zones and step into a more significant purpose, as Mary did in becoming the mother of Jesus.
Luke 1:39-56
3. The impact of God’s plan.
Mary went to stay with Elizabeth and when she arrived, the power of God was evident. I want you to see God’s power at work.
Notice the power of God's plan to…
* Unite lives.
In this passage, we see Mary visiting Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. The moment Mary arrived, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leapt and was filled with the Holy Spirit. This signifies not only a physical connection but also a spiritual one, highlighting how God's plan brings people together for a greater purpose. Their meeting illustrates the harmony of God's intentions being fulfilled through relationships, demonstrating how divine purpose can unify individuals across generations and circumstances.
Notice the power of God's plan to…
* Affirm identity.
Mary’s song of praise, known as the Magnificat, reveals her understanding of her own identity and purpose within God’s plan. As she proclaims God’s greatness, she reflects on how she is chosen to bear the Savior. This affirmation of her role demonstrates how God's plan not only shapes destinies but also empowers individuals to recognize their worth and calling.
Notice the power of God's plan to…
* Fulfill promises.
In her song, Mary recalls God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. The mention of mercy, strength, and the overturning of societal norms (lifting the humble and filling the hungry) showcases that God's plan is one of justice and restoration. By acknowledging these truths, the narrative illustrates that God's plan operates in a larger historical and redemptive context, reassuring believers that God’s promises endure through time and highlight His commitment to fulfill what He has declared.
Conclusion:
The account of the Annunciation and Mary's Magnificat beautifully illustrates God's perfect plan unfolding through ordinary lives, revealing His immense love and unwavering commitment to humanity. As we reflect on Mary's humble acceptance and profound faith, we are reminded that God often chooses the unlikely and the overlooked to fulfill His divine purposes. Let us embrace our own roles in His story, trusting that our lives, however small they may seem, can contribute to a greater narrative of hope, redemption, and joy. May we too, like Mary, respond to God's calling with courage and a joyful heart, knowing that His perfect plan is at work in us and through us for His glory.
