An Angelic Visitation . . .

Posted on April 13, 2014 by
I realized something . . . the only time we focus on the birth of our Lord is during the Christmas season. Why is that? It is such an amazing event, it should be the highlight of every day!
Well, that’s how I see it. This morning I began to take another look at His birth and I turned to the Gospel as Luke told it:
Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary.
When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, “You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you.”
She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant.
The angel told her,
‘Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Yeshua. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever, and his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:26-33)
Now think about this a moment. There are many things we can discuss in just these few verses, but the first thing that jumped out at me, was when the angel appeared and gave this amazing promise, he told her right from the beginning what His Name would be: Yeshua–ישוע–”to rescue,” “to deliver” Some commentators say it means, “God is Salvation.”
But what I am wondering is when you hear the name of our Lord, what other words come to mind? What emotions to you feel? Does it stir your spirit? Now, putting yourself in Mary’s place, how would you have responded? I mean, here you are minding your own business and suddenly an angel tells you, “Hey, you’re gonna be pregnant . . .” Well, okay for me it would be a real shock. I’m not saying He couldn’t do it, I’m just saying that it is quite unlikely.
But let’s say it comes and gives you a different promise, instead of being pregnant. For Mary this promise was completely impossible because in other passages we read that she was quite shocked and said, “Whoa! Hold your horses! I’ve never had sex with anyone, how could I be pregnant?”
Okay, let’s say the angel promises you something that is absolutely impossible for you. If you are stuck in a wheelchair and that angel said you would stand . . . how would your react? Would you tell him to prove it?
If you are living in poverty (or close to it), and that angel said you would be extremely prosperous, maybe win the Lottery or receive a big bonus check. I don’t know what it will take, but how would you react?
I have wondered about this, myself. I mean, if an angel appeared and said that my Lord declared that I my health would be completely restored: No longer so fatigued I can’t work; no longer unbalanced and having difficulty walking; no longer worrying about being able to pay bills; etc., how would I react?
Can I suggest that we pause, and say to this angelic being, “Yes! It will be as the Lord said!” No hesitations, no second thoughts. Just a straight-forward, “Yes! As you have said!.” (Exclamation point and period!.)
Well . . . you don’t need a special angelic visit, turn to the Scripture! Find the promise that pertains to your situation, and respond appropriately! It is just that simple!
Father, I am not going to wait for a special messenger to give me your promises. You have written them in your Word already, and today I am choosing to allow your Word to transform my life and my circumstances! You are my Lord and my Father and I love you. Amen!

Nickolas
(I send out messages like this each morning in emails, and if you are interested in receiving them, send me your email address and I will add you to the list)
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