WHAT DID MARY KNOW?

What Did Mary Know? Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you. Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God. Oh Mary, did you know? The Scriptures tell us that in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel came and announced Christ’s birth to a virgin girl that was engaged to be married to a carpenter, named Joseph. It is clear by Mary’s response that she was not expecting a visit of this sort. She was “troubled” by the greeting from the angel. Gabriel said, “Rejoice highly favored one, the Lord is with you.” The more literal translation is, “Rejoice one full of grace, the Lord is with you.” This kind of greeting was used for all believers and portrayed Mary as a recipient of grace, one needing God’s grace. This kind of greeting troubled Mary, therefore, Gabriel told her the same things he told Zacharias in Luke 1: “Do not be afraid.” I don’t know about you but I probably would still have been a little cautious even with this admonition not to be afraid. What Gabriel said next probably calmed and excited Mary. He announced to her that she had found favor with God and she would give birth to the Son of God. So what did Mary know at this time? 1. She would conceive and give birth to a Son. 2. She would call Him Jesus. 3. Her Son would be great. 4. He would be called the Son of the Highest. 5. The Lord God would give Him the throne of David. 6. And He would reign forever. She was not told all the details of Jesus life. She was not aware of all the miracles He would do. She was not aware that one day He would be killed, and then rise again. She was simply aware that God had chosen her to give birth to His Son and that her Son would be great. If she would have known all the details, she may have been less likely to agree to the job. So what did I know when God came to me and drew me to Himself when I was six years old? I knew God loved me. I knew He died for me. I knew he wanted me to accept His forgiveness. I knew many things about God, but I did not know all the details of who God is. By faith I simply said, as Mary did, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.” I simply let go of my will and let God through Jesus take over my life. It was the best decision I have ever made. I thank God for the example that Mary set of obedience and surrender. May we always obey with reckless abandon. Aaron Hodges

GOD IS IN CONTROL

God is in Control I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 We must not rely upon men and means, instruments and second causes. Shall I depend upon the strength of the hills or upon princes and great men? No; my confidence is in God only. We must lift up our eyes above the hills; we must look to God who makes all earthly things to us what they are. We must see all our help in God; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time. Psalm 121 teaches us to comfort ourselves in the Lord, when difficulties and dangers are greatest. It is almighty wisdom that contrives, and almighty power that works the safety of us that put ourselves under God's protection. He is a wakeful, watchful Keeper; He is never weary; He not only does not sleep, but He does not so much as slumber. Under this shade we may sit with delight and assurance. He is always near His people for their protection and refreshment. The right hand is the working hand; simply turn to our duty, and find God ready to give us success. He will take care that His people shall not fall. We will not be hurt, neither by the open assaults, nor by the secret attempts of our enemies. The Lord shall prevent the evil we fear, and sanctify, remove, or lighten the evil we feel. He will preserve the soul, that it be not defiled by sin, and disturbed by affliction; he will preserve it from perishing eternally. He will keep us in life and death; going out to our labor in the morning, and coming home to rest when the evening of old age calls us in. It is a protection for life. The Spirit, who is our Preserver and Comforter, shall abide with us forever. Let us be found in our work, assured that the blessings promised in this psalm are ours. (Matthew Henry Commentary) This is no time for fear. This is the time for faith and determination. Don't lose the vision here carried away by the motion. Hold on to all that you hide in your heart. There is one thing that has always been true--holds the world together. History marches on. There is a bottom line drawn across the ages. Culture can make its plan oh, but the line never changes. No matter how the deception may fly. There is one thing that has always been true. It will be true forever! God is in control! We believe that His children will not be forsaken, God is in control! We will choose to remember and never be shaken. There is no power above or beside Him, we know. Oh, God is in control, oh God is in control! Twila Paris – God is In Control God Is and Always will be in Control! Praise be to God! Aaron Hodges