Have you ever received a message from God? If so, you are not alone.
God does give personal messages. He can speak to us in different ways. He can call.
Long ago, there was a knock on the front door. A very firm knock. The young woman living there possibly wondered Who could that be?
Her thoughts may have focused on several things. Was it the local food vendor? Had her neighbour called to help with her wedding plans? Had she forgotten to put out the rubbish bin? Was it the handyman calling to fix the broken lamp?
We tend to wonder about the unexpected. Especially when someone comes calling.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the door stood Gabriel the angel. He had come from standing in the very presence of God (Luke 1:26). Gabriel knew the time was right. The decision had been made. It was clear. The message was set for right now! Gabriel needed to speak to the young woman urgently. He had to pass on the message.
As she went to the door, the young woman’s initial thoughts are not recorded. However, Scripture records that Gabriel spoke to the woman we know as Mary.
Mary was initially troubled at Gabriel’s message. Gabriel sought to reassure her.
“Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favour with God. See you are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give him the name Jesus . . . He will be called the Son of the Most High . . .” (Luke 1: 30–32).
Still Mary exclaimed, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).
Gabriel again reassured her. “For God can do all things” (Luke 1:37).
Mary soon accepted what God asked her to do.
We may wonder why the message was so urgent?
Because, God so loved the world!
Unto us, a Saviour was born!
Neville Biddle is a retired public servant from Brisbane, Queensland.
