When a child wakes up afraid and crying…what does Mom or Dad do to reassure that little one? Don’t you pick them up and hold them close to your heart? Speaking in a hushed voice of your love for them? Your calm and soft voice will do much to allay fears. The next time you have an opportunity to reassure someone, speak in loving and calm tones, perhaps holding them close to your heart (if appropriate). Your reassurance of your love for them will do much to take away fears.
Mary needed reassurance, quickly, when Gabriel suddenly came to her.
(NASB) Luke 1:29 “But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.”
She was troubled by how Gabriel had said (NASB) verse 28 “…Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (KJV) verse 28 “…Hail, thou that art highly favored, The Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.”
She was perplexed, troubled, disturbed, confused by the angel’s greeting.
Highly favored? Why, she lived in Nazareth which was only a crossroads in Galilee.
The Lord with her? True, she was a devout Jewess, but so were all the other young women her age in Galilee.
Blessed among women? She was as yet, unmarried. How could this be, to be singled out in this way?
(NASB) Luke 1:30 “The angel said to her, “˜Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.'”
What a reassurance! Do not be afraid.
He called her by name. When another calls you by name doesn’t it give you reassurance that they really do know you?
Again, Gabriel reassured Mary when he repeated his statement: “˜”˜…you have found favor with God.'”
What gives you reassurance when you are suddenly uncomfortable or troubled? Aren’t we reassured when another values us and shows how valuable we are by the tone of voice, a look, perhaps a hug…words and actions that prove how valuable we are to another.
God values … you! He has paid the greatest price of love … His Son!
You and I are the recipients of His love ~ Blessed indeed!
