First, greetings, you who are highly favored! (26-33). God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she was highly favored. At first, she was greatly troubled at the angel's greeting. Humanly speaking, she was already favored and full of dreams, as she was about to marry Joseph. But God had a very special plan for Mary to be the virgin mother of Jesus the long-awaited Messiah. He is great because he is God's Son. It is God's great grace and favor to be used in his redemptive history but it will interfere with our human plans. In order to be used by God we must be ready to sacrifice our human dreams and take up the cross of mission. Second, I am the LORD's servant (34-38). Mary asked how this could be since she was a virgin. Her question is not one of doubt but rather inquiry. The angel explained that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her. This would be a supernatural birth made possible by the Almighty God. Mary accepted her role in God's history, saying, 'I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.' God could use her because she was a woman of faith and humble obedience. What is God's favor to you? Can you be like Mary?
Application: Lord, I am so unworthy to be called your servant. Thank you for sending us Jesus through the virgin birth. Help me to offer you my humble obedience and raise up many Marys in our generation.
One Word: Greetings, you who are highly favored!