Verse of the Day (December 14, 2019)

Verse of the Day (December 14, 2019) #BMSeminary – This story is the next stop on the angel Gabriel’s mission from God to prepare God’s people for the coming Savior (v. 17). The engaged virgin Mary receives a message even more shocking than that given to Zechariah: she is going to give birth to the Son of God, who will reign as King forever (v. 32), even though she is still a virgin! Unlike Zechariah (v. 18), Mary exhibits the childlike faith that always brings joy to our Father God (18:16–17). Despite some lingering confusion and uncertainty and probably no small amount of fear, she responds to God’s gracious provision with faith: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (1:38). All of this happens because God has set his favor upon Mary (v. 30). Such initiating and reassuring grace from God toward us finds fullest expression in Christ, who enables us to respond with this kind of faith, which itself brings great pleasure and glory to God (Eph. 2:1–10). (Gospel Transformation Study Bible)