Key Thought

When we were children, many of us imagined ourselves in special circumstances doing great things and achieving great glory. In such moments of childish pride, we could see ourselves being chosen to do great things! As we mature, we hope and trust we can be useful to God, but genuine humility leads us to be surprised when we are chosen for a special task for God. Although undoubtedly young, Mary has this attitude of genuine humility. She is genuinely confused and somewhat unsettled by Gabriel's presence and announcement. A host of questions filled her heart: "How can I be highly favored by God? Why would I be visited by an angel from God?" It was Mary's faithful humility that made her the person God could trust as the mother of the Messiah. It is that same kind of genuine humility that makes us fit to do great things for our King as well!

Today's Prayer

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Lord God Almighty, give me genuine humility -- not a false humility that sees myself as deficient and unfit to do your work or answer your call, but genuine humility that recognizes your power and grace working in me and through my limitations. Please use me to bring you glory and to bless your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

During Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin girl that lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. The girl was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord (God) is with you. You are very special to him.” But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. Mary wondered, “What does this mean?” The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. Listen! You will become pregnant. You will give birth to a baby boy. And you will name him Jesus. He will be great (important). People will call him the Son of the Most High (God). The Lord God will make him king like his ancestor David. Jesus will rule over the people of Jacob forever. Jesus’ kingdom will never end.” Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I am still a virgin!” The angel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come to you and the power of the Most High (God) will cover you. The baby will be holy. He will be called the Son of God. Also, your relative Elizabeth is pregnant. She is very old, but she is going to have a son. Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant now for six months! God can do anything!” Mary said, “I am the servant girl of the Lord (God). Let this thing you have said happen to me!” Then the angel went away.

— Luke Luke 1:26-38 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.