Startled and Strengthened / David Jeremiah

 

Startled and Strengthened Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you. Luke 1:28 Those words—Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you—startled Mary. She had no idea anyone was nearby. Whether she was at the village well, on a leisurely walk, or in her home, we don’t know. But she was definitely not alone! The angel Gabriel, who had appeared hundreds of years before to Daniel, appeared to her out of nowhere. His first word was a command—Rejoice! His next words were ones of grace: highly favored one. The next thing he said was a fact—the Lord is with you.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 5

There’s only one virgin Mary, but on the basis of other Scriptures throughout the Word of God, we can claim those words for ourselves. We’re told in Philippians 4:4 to rejoice! Psalm 5:12 says that God surrounds us with favor “as with a shield.” And dozens of Scriptures remind us of the Lord’s presence with us. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” Just as the Lord was with Mary when she became Jesus’ mother, so He is with us—giving us the strength we need for the tasks we face and the burdens we bear. Let that message startle you—and strengthen you! If you will but rejoice, God will give power. A. B. Simpson