Trepidation at God's Notice

Scripture: And the angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you." But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Luke 1:28-29

Observation: When the angel Gabriel greets Mary, he says the Lord is with her, and called her favored. He tells her to rejoice, and footnotes say that some versions add the he calls her 'blessed among women'. While it may be normal to respond with fear at the appearance of an angel, these words are not fearful. They are warm, complimentary, and joyful. However, Mary is "deeply troubled" and wonders about the "kind of greeting" this is.

In other words, Mary distrusts the words. We know this is not a matter of faith in God, but rather it is a hesitance in her own understanding of what the words may mean. She is troubled by a kind and uplifting word from God, wondering if it can be accepted on face value as just that - kind and uplifting - or if it is the prelude to a setup. (Of course, both are true.)

Mary is not thought less for this reaction, and Gabriel proceeds on with "fear not" and explaining the upcoming conception, birth, and purpose of Jesus. Her tentative reaction is not a concern, and only registers as an element of trepidation.

Application: I often pray for God's love and assistance and presence. However, there are times where my shame of sin or thoughts would leave me in fear of God acknowledging me in any manner. This is a paradox that likely doesn't teeter-totter back and forth, but more ebbs slightly back and forth in degrees. If I ever thought God was speaking to me, I would be both excited and afraid, and the amount of each would only vary a little based on my current mindset.

Yet Gabriel shows how God reacts ... just proceeding with love. God knows me, and would simply continue his conversation.

I do know that God aids me, guides me, and gives me words from time to time. I am not a person he will ever appear to, but he reveals himself. I would like to think that I would be thrilled, but even Mary was concerned when God spoke to her. I can seek God's action in my life, and out of respect be a little wary of what he'll think when he engages with me.

Prayer: Lord, here I am today. May I serve you in humility by serving others in love. I know I am blessed. May I be a blessing to others. Amen.