Scripture Union Daily Guide 21 December 2021
Topic: I Am The Lord’s Servant
Opening Prayer: I open my heart to meditate on your word, teach me your ways oh Lord.
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
Ready for the Master’s use (vs.26-28): Mary and Joseph kept their relationship pure. No messing up. Self-control and living righteous lives are needed virtues in our preparation for God’s use especially in our very permissive society which derides virginity till marriage as outdated. God has not changed his moral standards. The choice of a virgin also confirms Jesus’ unique identity; not from the Adamic race.
Notice the angel’s remark in v.28. God’s presence in our lives is what makes the difference (John 15:5)! How will this be (vs.29-37)? Compare Mary’s reaction to angel Gabriel’s message with that of Zechariah (vs.18, 29&34).
Why was Mary not punished? Instead of rebuking her like he did Zechariah, the angel explained how it would happen (v. 35). God knows the level of our faith. The way he dealt with Moses was different from that of the ordinary Israelite. How did the testimony of the miraculous conception of Elizabeth and the angel’s confession in vs. 36 – 27 help Mary? Total submission (v.38):
Mary’s final response is worth emulating, ready to face whatever consequence may result from her submission to the Lord. How do you respond to God’s will for your life? Do you resist, doubt, or submit to it even when you do not fully understand how He will work it out? Compare all that Gabriel said about Jesus (vs.32-33, 35) with Old Testament prophecies about Him (Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7). To what extent have these been fulfilled?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• I am totally yours, Master Jesus, take my life and do whatever you deem fit with it!
• Praise Him for His love in keeping our families together in unity, and in meeting our spiritual and material needs. •
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Genesis 9:1; Neh. 7-9; Luke 20:1-26
