MARY’S FEAR
“Then the angel said to her,
’Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have favor with God ”’
(Luke 1:30).
Six months after the announcement of the birth of John, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce to her the coming birth of Jesus. Mary lived in Nazareth, a multi-racial town, with the majority of its inhabitants being Gentiles and Roman soldiers. Mary was a virgin, and she was betrothed to be married. If the announcement had been given to a young woman who was not betrothed, she would never have been able to marry, and Jesus would not have had an earthly father.
If they had already been married, Mary and Joseph would have considered Jesus to be their own biological son, and it would have been impossible to demonstrate that hers was a virginal conception. The moment for the announcement was chosen by God, and therefore it was perfect. The risk was that Joseph might decide not to marry her, and that is why the angel spoke to him about it, as well. Mary was honored above anyone else in the world: a woman introduced sin into the world, and by a woman God would bring the Savior into the world.
The angel greeted her by saying, Rejoice! You have been chosen for an exclusive mission (see Luke 1:28). Mary was young, poor, and a woman, characteristics which were not considered worthy of a divine calling. That is why the angel emphasized, Don t be afraid, because you have found favor with God (verse 30). It’s natural to feel unworthy of a calling, but don’t put limits on the power of God in your life. He wants you to carry out a great mission. It’s normal to feel afraid. When the supernatural touches the natural, it is always accompanied by a reverent fear.
Mary was a virgin; she was just getting things ready for her wedding, and the angel told her that she would conceive a son without human intervention. Who would believe such a thing? She could have refused to accept the calling in order to avoid a scandal, which was the greatest misfortune for a young Jewish girl, which made her worthy of being stoned to death. Being chosen to be the mother of Jesus would bring her much pain and misunderstanding. Being chosen by God does not give you fame, and tribulations are a part of your preparation. How can this be? Mary asked the angel. That question is still difficult to answer. The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Mary accepted this without arguing and without worrying about the risks, saying, Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (verses 34—38).
God needs young women with that attitude today. Through them, He can do the impossible. Are you running some risks because you are doing God’s will? Keep fulfilling your mission faithfully. Don’t be afraid of criticism nor of persecution. [God] lays upon His servants no burdens that they are not able to bear.
He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.’ Psalm 103:14. All that He claims from us we through divine grace can render.”— Christ’s Object Lessons, ch. 25, p. 362.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes