Introduction

Welcome, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so glad you have chosen to join us today as we gather around the Word of God, as we open our hearts to the divine whispers of His wisdom and love. Today, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of a grand narrative, a story of divine promise, fulfillment, and humble obedience. We are drawn to the first chapter of Luke, verses 26 to 33, where we encounter the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, a young woman of faith about to step into a destiny beyond her wildest dreams.

Let us read the passage together, shall we? "In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, 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 conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him 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.'” (Luke 1:26-33, NIV)

Isn't it remarkable? A young woman, unassuming and ordinary in the eyes of her society, chosen for an extraordinary purpose. Chosen to carry the Savior of the world. It's a story that reminds us that God often uses the least expected for the greatest of His plans.

As we step into our discussion today, I am reminded of a quote from the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "God does not need your strength: He has more than enough of power of His own. He asks for your weakness: He has none of that himself, and He is longing, therefore, to take your weakness, and use it as the instrument in His own mighty hand."

Isn't it comforting to know that our God does not seek perfection, but willing hearts? That He does not demand strength, but delights in our weaknesses, for it is there that His strength is made perfect?

Today, we will focus on three main points: Anticipating God's Promises, Acting in the Season of Fulfillment, and Assignments and Blessings in Humility and Obedience. As we walk through these points, may we be reminded of God's faithfulness, His timing, and the beauty of humble obedience.

Let's bow our heads in prayer. Gracious and loving Father, we thank You for Your Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we delve into the richness of Your promises and the wonder of Your fulfillment, open our hearts and minds to see You more clearly, to love You more dearly, and to follow You more nearly. Guide our discussion today, Lord, and may all that we say and do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Anticipating God's Promises

As we consider the story of Mary, we see a young woman who was given a divine promise. This promise was not something she sought out or expected, but it was given to her nonetheless. It was a promise that would change her life and the course of history forever. This promise was the anticipation of the coming Messiah, the Son of the Most High, who would reign over Jacob’s descendants forever.

Like many of the women of Israel, Mary's anticipation of God's promises meant she was active in her faith, trusting in God's word, and living in obedience to His will. Even when the promise seemed impossible, she chose to believe. We too are called to actively anticipate God's promises, to live in faith and obedience, even when the promises seem impossible.

God's promises are not always immediate. There is often a period of waiting involved. Mary had to wait nine months for the promise to be fulfilled. She had to endure the discomfort and challenges of pregnancy. She had to face the potential ridicule and judgment of her community. But she waited with patience and faith, trusting in God's timing. This teaches us that the anticipation of God's promises often involves waiting. But it is in the waiting that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Furthermore, the anticipation of God's promises came with challenges. Mary faced numerous challenges, from the physical challenges of pregnancy to the social challenges of being an unwed mother in a conservative society. Yet, she faced these challenges with courage and faith, trusting in God's promise. But these challenges are not meant to discourage us, but to strengthen our faith and dependence on God.

Lastly, the anticipation of God's promises is a journey of faith. Mary's faith was a journey that lasted her entire life. From the moment she received the promise to the moment she saw it fulfilled, her faith was constantly being tested and strengthened. This teaches us that the anticipation of God's promises is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of faith.

Acting in the Season of Fulfillment

As we immerse ourselves in the narrative of Mary, we see her not only as a woman of anticipation but also as a woman of action ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO