Mensa Otabil - An Unusual Answer
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The words of the Scriptures relating to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ are found in Luke’s account from Luke’s Gospel, Chapter One. Today, we look at verses 36 to 38. Now indeed, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God, nothing will be impossible. Then Mary said, «Behold, the maidservant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.» And the angel departed from her. This is a holy moment; this is a very awesome moment in human history where God’s Divine Purpose has agreement with a human vessel, and God is about to work out His purposes for the ages. The mystery of deliverance and salvation is now going to be birthed.
So Mary had asked the question, «How can these things be?» The angel started by saying, «The Holy Spirit will come upon you.» Now the angel gives her a second reason: " Mary, your cousin Elizabeth is pregnant by six months.» This is to show that with God, all things are possible. Even though Elizabeth was considered barren, she didn’t have the capacity to bear fruit; she had lost the ability to be fruitful; she is past her age. But God has visited her, and if God has done it for old Elizabeth, He can do it for young Mary. The same God who gave fruit to the barren is able to give fruit to the inexperienced young girl. The barren has conceived, and may that be your miracle too.
Then the angel says, «With God, nothing shall be impossible.» Mary, God can do anything! And the angel assured Mary, «Listen, this world we live in was created by God. He brought all things out of nothing. Remember the story of your people? He opened the Red Sea for them. Remember His acts of deliverance. Think of the Bible heroes- think of David and Goliath. With God, nothing shall be impossible.
If there’s anything we want to trust about God, this is what we need to trust about God: that He can do what He wants to do. With God, nothing shall be impossible. You think your case is too bad? You think that your situation is far gone? With God, nothing shall be impossible.
And by that statement, Mary then gives us this precious answer: „Let it be to me according to your word.“ She submitted fully to God’s possibility; she submitted fully to God’s word. She didn’t know how it’s going to happen. She didn’t know everything about this miracle, but she believed the God of possibility, who is able to make all things work for her.
Today, we can learn from Mary, and we can also say, „Lord, let it be to me according to your word.“ I don’t know how it’s going to happen. You said you would heal me; let it be to me according to your word. You said you would bless me; let it be to me according to your word. You said you would give me a child; let it be to me according to your word. You said you would prosper the work of my hand; I can’t see it, but let it be to me according to your word. Submission to God’s word, to God’s purposes.
It is in her submission that the transaction is concluded. God’s purposes find a willing human heart, and in that convergence, miracles happen. May that be your story also, that your will will converge with God’s purposes.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, nothing is impossible with you. I receive my miracle now in Jesus' name. Amen and amen.
Well, I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.