God chose Mary. Of all the people in the world, God’s plan included one specific young virgin. All of eternity hinges on the response of Mary. God can use anyone or anything to redeem creation, but He chose Mary, the fiancé of Joseph. Why?
I will not pretend to lay out all the reasons, largely because I do not know them all. There are, however, a few reasons that make a lot of sense to me. Mary’s genealogy fits a requirement God gave to Abraham to fulfill His promises in Genesis 15. She was from Nazareth, another prophecy for the Messiah. She was betrothed to Joseph who’s family was from Bethlehem, yet another prophecy fulfilled. Those narrow the field a lot but they tell us little about her personal character qualifications.
We have the most to glean about her from Luke 1 & 2. Zachariah had an encounter with Gabriel the Arch Angel six months before Mary so I want to begin with him.
Gabriel comes to him when he is serving in the Temple. Zachariah is Mary’s cousin-in-law and Gabriel announces to him that he and his wife will be the parents of a son named John. Their son would become a Prophet and a Nazarite which is a special category of prophet. John the Baptist’s calling would be to get the people ready for The Lord, The Messiah.
Zachariah immediately explains to Gabriel that he is old and his wife is also old and also barren. (I think Gabriel already knew that.) In part because Zachariah’s immediate reaction is to doubt and give excuses, God made him mute until Elizabeth gave birth to the future John the Baptist.
Mary, barely a teenager, was also surprised when Gabriel came to her six months later, but her response was different. Initially she was “troubled.” and she “Thought about what had been said.” (Luke 1:29-30) When Gabriel was finished telling her she would become the mother of Jesus, instead of excuses Like Zacharias, Mary, asked a question of the Angel. “How will this happen? I have never had a man.” (Luke 1:34)
Once Gabriel briefly explains the supernatural process Mary said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.” Initially She was troubled by the supernatural arrival of the Angel, but she listened carefully and thought about it. She concluded Gabriel was genuinely a true messenger from God. She further concluded that she was willing to live through the shame, misunderstanding even derision for what ‘people’ would assume was adultery, so she could step into God’s plan for her and for all creation. That is a big deal for a very young lady.
I think it is safe to say not everyone responds like that. I am quite certain the 13 year old me would not. She was humble, thoughtful and wise enough to be able to discern God was inviting her to something extraordinary. Did she understand it all? No. Mary did not have to understand it all because she knew God and she trusted God.
When Jesus is born and the angels came to them with a vast array of heaven’s army proclaiming: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Even with all that brilliant spiritual display the word tells us: “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 ESV She had a lifetime to learn and watch God work.
God chose Mary and she said yes.
How about us? We will not be chosen to give birth to the Messiah. That is finished. But what about the callings, purposes, destinies and invitations the God of All Creation has each one of us? Will you trust even when it seems impossible? What are you God given dreams? Like Mary, will you say yes?
