Luke 1:26 - 38 – Who God can Use
When Milan Cathedral was finished, in the vast throngs of people assembled to witness the dedication was a little girl who was heard to cry out in childish glee, as she pointed to the great building, "I helped to build that!"
"What!" exclaimed one of the guards who was standing in brilliant uniform. "Show me what you did."
"I carried the dinner pail for my father while he worked up yonder," she replied. Her part, though seemingly insignificant, helped to complete the great cathedral. Because she was available, she was used by God to achieve something great.
Many of us don’t have very much self esteem when it comes to thinking about what God can do in and through us. We are limited by our poor self image. You’ve probably heard many of these excuses before ….
• I can’t become a Christian, because I have been too bad and God would never want me.
• I don’t have any talents that God can use – not in this church anyway.
• I could never do that – I’d be too nervous to stand up the front in front of people.
• It’s just not my thing - really.
• I don’t really have time – why don’t you ask Fred over there.
• My job and family take so much time, I don’t think I could handle anything else.
• I’m away every second week – I just couldn’t commit to anything long term.
• I don’t know whether I like the way they hold their heads during prayer – I’m not sure that I want to be part of this church anyway.
We come up with plenty of excuses why God can’t possibly use us don’t we – but when we use these excuses, we are not kidding anyone, least of all God.
This evening I want to continue working our way through Luke’s gospel – we are going to be in Luke 1:26. Tonight we come across the perfect model of someone who God can use. She was uneducated, unskilled, poor, a teenager, a nobody in the world’s eyes but God chose her for a most incredible act of service – that of carrying his son, Jesus Christ. Tonight, I want to ask the question – What Made Mary the mother of Jesus such a good choice for such an important Job? What were her credentials? What did God see in her? Because in answering these question, we’ll answer the question that is so pertinent to us as a church, that is - Who can God use - now - today in 2003?
Let’s pause and pray for some wisdom and honesty as we look into this passage.
Pray Lord as look into your Word this evening, we ask that you would help us to correctly interpret it’s relevance for us. We ask that we would see clearly in it our reflection and see where we don’t measure up to your will for our lives. Help us we pray to apply it to our lives – not forgetting it as soon as we walk out this door, but we pray, that the lessons learnt here tonight would be etched into our minds so that we can become more like you. We pray this in Jesus Name … Amen
Well last week we spoke about John the Baptist and some of his characteristics. This story tonight is set while Elizabeth was pregnant with John. Luke starts by setting the scene …
Luke 1:26In the sixth month - 6th month of what. This follows on from vs 24 and the 5 months of solitude for Elizabeth. These events take place in the 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and involve a young girl – Mary – who was called to serve God in a wonderful Way. Let’s look at some of her qualifications that made her so suitable for this service. Let’s continue reading in vs 26…
Mary’s Qualifications
a)Mary was a Nobody
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin - Nazareth was a smallish town – it was just off the major trade routes and so while it had influence from passing traders, it was a bit of a backwater. Galilee, the surrounding district while a part of Israel, was on its frontier. It was a region which had a lot of influence from nations around about it and this meant that the people of Galilee had a bit of a reputation of being wild and woolly. They certainly didn’t uphold all the laws of good Jews – either moral laws of ceremonial laws and their crude dialect led many to look down on them. One of the early disciples Nathaniel - commented – “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46). …. So what were Mary’s qualifications to serve God … Well. Mary was a nobody. Of no reputation, a bit of a country hick, not even from the deeply religious bible belt of Israel – Interesting isn’t it - Yet God used her. Why?
Often we think that God can’t use us because we nobodies. We aren’t from a very good breeding stock. We don’t have a godly heritage. We don’t know much – we are even a bit slow at speaking and often get it all wrong. Our parents and families never went to church and so, it’s a bit foreign to us to be chosen by God – a bit scary. Why would God want me – I’m a no-body. I want to encourage you that being a somebody is not important to God – He chose Mary and I know he wants to choose you too.
b) Mary didn’t have what it took
And so God sends his chief messenger, Gabriel, into the backwaters of Israel – 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
It is significant that Mary was a virgin – pure and undefiled, as this child was going to be God’s holy son. Mary was also pledged to Joseph in marriage. She was betrothed. Now this is not the same thing as being engaged in our modern culture. It was considered the beginning of marriage and was legally binding. You couldn’t just break off a betrothal. You had to actually go through the legal system and get a divorce. In the middle eastern culture of the day, marriage usually took place when a woman was very young – typically when the girl had gone through puberty. But marriages were usually arranged between families and so a daughter would be promised to her husband sometimes years before she reached puberty. During this period, there was the betrothal period. A period where she was promised, yet not yet married. What does this tell us about Mary? Well for starters, she was very young. – She had no chance to accomplish much at all. She was not a trained teacher or an experienced Mother, she was barely into her teens. No one in their right mind would say that Mary had what it took to raise God’s son – Yet God used her.
I often hear people saying they don’t have what it takes. They use excuses like – I’m too young, or I’m too old, or I don’t have those skills yet. I am uneducated. I’ve never been taught to teach children. There is someone far better qualified for that job sitting just over there. … Mary could have used all of these excuses. She was a teenager. What qualifications did she have to raise the Son of God. She had never been a mother before – she probably knew very little about motherhood. I’m sure she didn’t have any Triple P programs to go to. I doubt whether she would have even been educated. She was so young and women were not sent to the rabbinical schools in those days. She couldn’t afford a nanny or housekeeper to look after this Baby. She had to learn on the job. … Yet God used her. Mary’s example tends to shoot a lot of our arguments out the water doesn’t it. What are your excuses why God can’t use you? Young people – are you serving God in the church? Why not – what are your excuses, Are they really valid?
Mary’s Response
a) Humbled
vs 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Have we got anyone who is 14 or 15 years old here today – that’s how old most scholars think Mary was? Imagine if you would that you were Mary and God’s angel suddenly appeared to you. Hollywood usually portray angels these days as some nice kind being – think about the TV show “Touched by an angel.” The Bible portraits angels very differently. When ever Angels are mentioned in the Bible appearing to people – people are terrified. They always need reassurance not to be scared and Mary is no exception.
vs 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
It is interesting here that it says that Mary was troubled by his words (vs29). I’m sure his appearance was a bit frightening also, but Mary could not accept that she was highly favored by God. And Gabriel has to repeat it again. Isn’t this a wonderful picture of Mary’s humility. A Proud person would have said – “Oh really - favored by God – that’s good, I’ve always tried to do my best and live a good life. It’s really little surprise that God would favor me anyway – but it is nice to hear it”. But not Mary – she couldn’t even comprehend that God would know who she was. She was a no-body remember. Why should she deserve a visit from an Angel let alone find favor from God.
God’s favor is an interesting thing really. The only reason Mary was special was because God chose to show grace to her. This is why we don’t worship Mary. She is a nobody who became a somebody because God was gracious to her. We need to worship God who made her somebody through his marvelous grace, not Mary who would have remained a nobody without God.
Grace can’t be earned – it is a gift. There was nothing in herself which deserved this special privilege - No reputation, no skills, no training, no position. She was favored because God chose her to be. We are chosen too. Turn your bibles over to Eph 1:4-6. Read We have been shown grace also – God’s riches of forgiveness and love through Christ’s death. Does this build your self esteem – that God favors you – that he has chosen you. Does it humble you?.
b) Awestruck
Well God chose Mary for a special task. Gabriel said to her …
vs 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be” was Mary’s response
What an incredible promise. Mary must have been awestruck at this concept. I would have – wouldn’t you. Mary would be the mother of the Messiah – the Son of the Most high; the promised one from David’s line; one who would establish an everlasting kingdom. I wonder what God has called you to. You may not like to think that it is as important as Mary’s work, but like the little girl who helped build the Milan Cathedral, it is an important job. There are no jobs more important or less important in God’s eyes. Do you remember the parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matt 25) … What differentiated those who pleased God (the sheep) from those that didn’t (the goats)? It was what they did and didn’t do wasn’t it. What did the sheep do – they fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick – note that Jesus doesn’t use examples like preaching sermons, converting the masses, giving millions to missions. No, he used small things to show us what was important. You see, it is not what is done that it is important, so much as that things are done for Him. I’ll say that again … it is not what is done that it is important, so much as that things are done for Him. Jesus’ taught his disciples that “ whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you do for me.” In essence he was saying – the little girl carrying the lunch pail is as important in my eyes as the master craftsman, fashioning the cornerstone because they both contribute to my Kingdom. The Goats on the other hand did nothing. Are you a sheep or a goat?
c) Curious
Back to our story - Mary was still in shock and seeks more information – she was curious.
vs 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
A couple of weeks ago, we learnt about Zechariah who was the father of John the Baptist. When an angel appeared to him and promised a son – he doubted, he ridiculed the idea and demanded further proof. And further proof was given – he was struck down so he couldn’t talk a word until the promise was fulfilled. Mary was different. This is not a phrase of doubt, but a question of method. “How will I bear a child she asks, I am a virgin. I’m not married yet, but it seems as though this prophecy is for here and now. Give me more information please.”
vs 35 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. And in case there is any bit of doubt in you … 36 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. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary obviously hadn’t heard about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. And so it was a bit of a shock to her, but an incredible illustration that God is all powerful and can bring anything about which he pleases. God would overshadow Mary and through his power, implant his son into her womb.
Mary shows incredible faith here. She doesn’t doubt what the angel says, but trusts God. God is after all the God of the impossibility.
What is it that God is asking you to do? Does it seem impossible to you? The question we really need to ask is – whether it is impossible for God to achieve.
For some of you he is asking you to consider accepting his word for what it is. You may be struggling with the fact that God is relevant in your life or that he could even love a nobody like you. You may be struggling with the idea of giving your life to Christ as Lord and Saviour and him accepting you. This is scary isn’t it – but you need to believe that God can accept you.
For others of you, God is calling you to serve him. It may be serving him in this church, it may be in the wider mission field of this world. For many of the people here, you will be thinking – I can’t do that Lord. I can’t help in Children’s church or KOGS or brigades – I don’t have any training. I don’t have kids of my own. I don’t think I could relate to kids. I don’t have that spiritual gift …. I can’t join the welcoming roster Lord – I am scared of speaking to new people. So what if I am a shop assistant – That’s different – that’s work. When I’m finished work, I’m exhausted - I just don’t want to have anything to do with people on the weekends. … Lord, I can’t join a homegroup. I just haven’t got any energy to encourage others. I haven’t got anything to offer such a group. I haven’t got time. Is what God is asking of you impossible to do in your own strength – Well Good – now start relying on God’s strength because nothing is impossible for him.
Take Mary for example - What God was asking Mary to do was huge. Think about it. Here was an unmarried woman who was going to fall pregnant. We know that fornication and adultery were viewed as serious sins – even punishable by death. What would people be assuming if an unmarried woman suddenly became pregnant. Would they believe a far fetched story about an angel a miraculous conception and this being the Messiah – I don’t think so.
How would her husband to be react. We know from Matthew 1:19, that Joseph almost divorced her because of it. It was only a vision from God that stopped him. Imagine the public disgrace for Mary – imagine the struggle for those 9 months and even beyond. The stigma of rumors of illegitimate children would have remained with Mary forever I suggest.
d) Servitude
Faced with this dilemma, how does Mary react? Underline this verse if you have a pen.
vs 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
What a statement. This word for servant is the female equivalent of Bond Slave. It is the lowest on the scale of slaves and came to mean someone who gave themselves up to the will of another. Mary here is saying that she was happy for God to use her however he wanted. And here is the crux of what it takes to be used by God. Mary didn’t have a great resume that sold herself to God. That is not what God was after – he was after someone who would give themselves up willingly to be used by him. Mary was a FAT Person – Faithful, Available and Teachable.
For those of you who God is challenging to give your lives to him. God is saying to you here today, that your worth is not based on what you have or haven’t done, what your position in life is or how successful you are. Your worth is based on the fact that he loves you and has died for you already. He wants to show favor to you if only you accept his free gift of grace. If only you give yourself to him willingly. – Will you consider doing that tonight? His offer is on the table.
For those of you who are grappling with serving God in something that doesn’t seem too pleasant at this moment, You need to know that God isn’t choosing you for your skills. He doesn’t choose people who are fully trained to do his work. He usually chooses people who don’t have all the skills, but have the willingness to give of themselves as servants. Skills, energy, ennthusiasm and resources are easy for God to give you – Remember vs 37 - For nothing is Impossible with God. What he can’t give you is a willing heart – He will never make you into a robot – to serve or not to serve – that is your choice. What is your response tonight?
Mary wasn’t scared of what was going to happen. She wasn’t scared of criticism. She wasn’t scared of her inadequacy. She wasn’t scared of all the changes this would mean for her life. She believed that God knew what was best and offered herself up willingly to be used for his Glory.
Where are you at tonight. Are you a FAT person like Mary, willing to give up your will for his Glory. Are you ready to be used for God’s glory – no matter what it is that he asks you to do. Or are you resisting him, doubting that he could use you. I encourage you to put aside your fears and inhibitions. Give yourself to God willingly and allow him to use you in ways you never expected in your wildest dreams. This is the kind of person God can Use.
