Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end. – Luke 1: 30 – 33
Reflection
Today on the Feast of the Annunciation, we reflect on God’s promise to send us a Saviour.
First in the Book of Isaiah, Ahaz is told that “a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His name shall be called, Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us'” – Isaiah 7: 14.
This prophecy to Ahaz made in the Old Testament, is fulfilled in the New Testament, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, and gave her the news that she was the Virgin to bear the Christ child.
As we meditate upon the Angel’s message, we draw strength from the reassurance of his promises to Mary.
First he tells her not to be afraid.
Then he tells her that the child she would conceive in her womb, would be named Jesus, a name which literally translates to “Yahweh (God) saves”.
This name Jesus, is a direct reference to Christ’s saving work on the Cross which He accomplished for us as we’ve just meditated upon during this Good Friday and Easter season.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High”, lets us know Jesus’ true identity…as the only Begotten Son of God the Father.
“And the Lord God will give Him the throne of David, His father”, refers to the human line of Christ, as He is the true Son of David, Who fulfils God’s covenant to David, to give him a son who would sit on his throne forever.
Indeed, the Lord’s promises are ever sure.
Today, a we go about our work and affairs, let us hold that closely in our hearts.
And let us continuously meditate on this truth, “God is with us”… and Saint Paul says, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8: 31
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for yet another day and another opportunity to reflect on Your promise of sending us a Saviour.
As we rejoice in this season of Easter, we acclaim that You have perfectly fulfilled Your promise to us and we acknowledge Jesus as our King forever.
You are God Who is with us.
Let us abide today in Your constant presence.
Permit us never to be departed from Thee Holy Father, that Jesus Christ Your Son may reign, rest and triumph in us and through us for Your glory – now and forevermore.
We ask this Holy Father in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, and our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
Always & Forever,
To The Lamb.
With all my love.
09-April-2018