And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (LK 1.30-31)
What amazing grace God lavished on Mary. This poor, young, illiterate peasant girl would carry in her body the son of God. She would feel him moving inside her. She would later nurse him. No other woman on earth has been given such grace.
Not only that but when Mary looked at Jesus’ face, she would see something of her own features. Jesus would bear a physical resemblance to his mother that he would bear to no other human being. What incredible grace! What amazing favor of God!
Yet every one of us who are born again has experienced a grace every bit as amazing if not more so. For Jesus lives inside every believer. Not for a mere nine months, but for this life and eternity. As he lives in us, Jesus leads, guides and fellowships with us. Not only does Jesus live in us, but he transforms us from the inside out, and we increasingly bear a resemblance to him. We become more and more like Christ in godliness, joy, and love with each passing day.
Mary must have been amazed to think that God himself was growing in her. We should be amazed that this same God is living in us, expanding his kingdom in and through our lives, touching others, using us as his hands and feet and mouthpieces.
And he has many more that he has chosen to save and transform. Let’s pray that his kingdom will come and multitudes be born again and experience Christ from the inside out.
photo by brynmeillion – JAN
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I loved this: “Not only that but when Mary looked at Jesus’ face, she would see something of her own features. Jesus would bear a physical resemblance to his mother that he would bear to no other human being.”
The image of God made it full circle. Adam was created in God’s image. Eve was created from Adam. The generations passed on the image of God all the way to Mary. Mary with the image of God upon her birthed God Himself.
That’s tremendous. Another detail that often (at least for me) goes unnoticed, but must have totally rocked Mary’s world… and now mine.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Marshall,
Great insight – “The image of God made it full circle.” Thanks for adding your comments!