The last two weeks I’ve filled this space with pieces I’ve written in times past on the incarnation. Today, 4 or 5 days before the traditional Christmas season celebrations of His incarnation I would like to turn our attention to first looking at a comparison of how we as the church, the body of Christ, and the bond-servants of the Lord, align with the miracle and calling of Mary, the mother of Jesus from Luke 1. I think it important we understand that we find ourselves in the same place as she and understand the same miracle happening in and through us as His word. Secondly, I will share a few more nontraditional incarnation or “Christmas” scriptures that bring a look at God’s purpose on taking on flesh and dwelling as God with us.
[Luke 1:26-49 NASB] 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36 “And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.
In verse 46-49 Mary’s full heart burst into praise at all that God by His Holy Spirit is doing in her, through her, and to her. How many of us are doing the same at this season of our lives? It is an amazing response given her circumstances.
In verse 26 and 27 we learn this girl, who is probably somewhere between 14 and 17, is betrothed to a man from the line of David.
In verse 28 she is greeted by an Angelic visitation. There had been few, perhaps none, in 400 years. Now as strange as that must have seemed to her, His greeting is even more so. “Hail favored one! The Lord is with you!” No wonder she was perplexed and wondering about the situation. She was probably thinking, “Yeah, right, I am a Jewish girl in a country taken captive by Rome. If that isn’t bad enough I am about to marry a carpenter! Have you ever felt a carpenter’s hands? Do you know how little they make? Favored huh? Favor is supposed to be the peace that is the fruit of God’s presence with you. Instead I am greatly troubled at your words”
Then in verses 30-33, as if it were the best of news, the angel calms her fears, telling her she has found favor. The result of that favor will be that she is soon to be found pregnant. Just what every teenage bride-to-be wants, right?
The good news, in verses 31-33, is that she is not to have just any baby, but a Savior (Jesus = savior/deliverer) who will rule as king and Son of God. This news must have passed her ears by, in one and out the other, because her next question is, “Hey wait a minute! Who is the father of this child going to be, because I am going to have to be in close and intimate relationship with him?” (How can this be, since I am a virgin?) I love her response, revealing the natural thinking of a young girl.
The angel then explains, verses 34 and 35, that paternity will belong to God by His Holy Spirit, and that the child’s genetics will make him the Son of God. And lest she doubt this possible, the angel offers up confirmation, in verse 36, that anything is possible with God. He tells her that her famously barren relative, Elizabeth, is with child now in the 6th month. So, he reminds her in verse 37, nothing will be impossible with God.
What happens next is the miraculous that is put in place when God plants the seed of faith in us by his Word. You see, faith is not initiated in us. It comes one way, by the now spoken revelation of God: His word to us in the moment. And our response to receiving it releases the miracle of purpose into motion through us and in our lives. The outworking of hearing is faith. The outworking of faith is obedience, and the outworking of obedience is seeing the fulfillment of God’s plan and purposes.
In that moment, in verse 38, where she responded “Behold the bond-slave of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” The outworking of hearing took root. It is the place where she heard the word of God, her Lord, and submitted to its purpose. Her response, “I am your servant. Let your word have its way in me” is a true response of faith. She submits her will to His, and herself to the purposes of God, simply responding to the word she has heard and trusting Him to work it out.
I am not sure she understood all it entailed or would lead her into, but she was willing. Sometimes we hear God, but will not move until we have every detail fleshed out for the next ten years. True faith often finds its release in a very childlike response that accepts and receives His word and moves without complete understanding of all the “whys” or “how” of what has been spoken.
And then we have the miracle of God becoming man to dwell among us, in a moment at His word, and her receiving it. I believe at that moment, when she responded “BE IT DONE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD” the conception took place. He did not force her by command, but drew her into His purpose by speaking and a response of faith in love. What a glory it is to be part of the eternal purposes of God, by simply receiving and responding to what He speaks to us!
While faith is initiated in and by Him, and is often released in our childlike acceptance and response, God often has arranged confirmation beforehand. So, it was with Mary through Elizabeth. In verses 39 and 40 this young, now pregnant, girl makes haste to take a journey of seventy miles, on her own, to receive such confirmation as the angel has led her to believe she will find. But, she gets so much more than just confirmation.
She does get confirmation, but she gets a complete prophetic response in verses 41-45. From the leaping of the baby John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s formerly barren womb, to Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking prophecy and messianic insight to Mary. She calls Mary blessed, and speaks of the child that Mary carries as her Lord, and confirms there will be a fulfillment of all she has heard by His word.
Mary’s response is rejoicing in the confirmation of His word. Elizabeth confirms the word to Mary by the Holy Spirit in her, and Mary understands God is going to perform that which He has spoken and promised, and that is a much larger part of His plan than she may have thought. He cannot lie. He will fulfill what He speaks. God speaks and faith is initiated, and He cannot lie. As such, it is the foundation for true joy because it receives the certain fulfillment of God’s promises.
The outworking of faith is obedience. When God speaks and we do what He says. Really, as we simply trust Him to work it all out as we walk with Him, we see the fullness of His plans and purpose. So, the outworking of obedience is seeing that fulfillment of His plan and purpose in and through us.
One of the byproducts of understanding that He is working His plan through us, and our receiving His word, is heartfelt worship under the inspiration of the Spirit, which we see in verses 46-55. When it is revealed and confirmed that God is doing a great thing through her, Mary’s heart pours forth in praise and worship.
Each year at this time, the Christmas season, The Nativity, we read this passage and stand in awe of the incarnation and of His coming. It seems mysterious and miraculous. And it is! But, may I ask you to follow me in some personal application.
The mystery of divine seed being planted in Mary, and the mystery of divine nature taking on human form is certainly wondrous, but it is still happening today, and all the time. Mary is sometimes wrongly referred to as The Queen of Heaven and the Mother of God. She is, and was, none of that. She is/was just like you and me, a simple bond-slave of the Lord. And, the same miracle that happened to her happens, and takes place, in you and me. The very same miracle of incarnation is to be seen in us.
Even as the messenger of God brought her news of God’s favor, God being with her. Just so have you and I received the message of God’s favor and grace and love for us in the gospel, and the news and understanding that He is with us and for us in every situation.
Even as Mary could not understand or believe what His purpose was in her at first. So are we unable to comprehend what God is doing in us, and that His “eternal purpose” for, and in, Jesus the Messiah are being accomplished through us when the message first comes to us.
Even as the messenger calmed her fears, and built a foundation telling her she is favored of God. Just so does the Holy Spirit build a foundation of grace under us, letting us know we are not chosen by our merit, or because we are so great, or anything special, but just because God loves us. By His grace we are saved, and by His favor we are given opportunity to co-labor with Him in His eternal purposes in Jesus. (see Ephesians 2:8-10)
Even as she was told that she would conceive new life, and bring forth a son that would be called “salvation”. Just so have we had new life conceived in us by His word. And, in our receiving it and through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to manifest the Son, Jesus Christ, to the world around us. We reveal him individually and corporately through becoming sons of God ourselves, that Jesus might be the firstborn of many brothers. We also reveal him corporately, as we function with other believers, other family members, as His body. We are the church, His body, and the fullness of Him who fills all in all. We manifest Jesus, and display the salvation that is in Him, giving testimony to it in word and deed individually and corporately. (see John 1:12 Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1:22-23, John 17:18-23)
Even as Jesus, the Son, was to be a manifestation and revelation of God in human form, the divine nature united with and revealed through human nature. So too do we become the revelation of the divine nature in man. The rebirth, being born again, born from above, establishes in us a new divine nature with our human form administrated by the Holy Spirit taking residence in us and exhibiting Christ. We are not divinity, but we manifest the fullness of Jesus corporately and He may be seen in us individually as we move under His Lordship.
Even as Jesus purpose was to return the throne to the line of David, and establish authority and rule as King in God’s eternal purpose. So now has the authorized rule of God, the Kingdom of God, been set up and is being revealed first through us as God’s redeemed people. The Holy Spirit administrates the Lordship of Jesus in each one individually, and, as Head of His body through us corporately. (see John 1:12, 1 Peter 2:9)
Even as His Kingdom was to be eternal, never ending. Just so have we become the first fruits of the restoration of all creation and been given eternal life. His eternal rule has been established first in us, as the church, and is NOW to be exhibited through us to the world around us, and to principalities and powers above us. (see, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 6:10-13, Romans 8:16-18)
Even as Mary could not see all that pertained to the Kingdom in what was spoken to her and did not comprehend how that would all be worked out. So are we often confused by the situations we face, and the call of God upon us, not seeing any way for it all to happen. But His being seen in us, and the Kingdom coming through us, is just as sure.
Even as it would be the Holy Spirit coming upon her and the power of the Most High overshadowing her, so that she might bring forth Jesus, the Son of God. So now is it the Holy Spirit that indwells us, and who begins conception of new life in us, and then transforms us by the word of God from one degree of glory to the next into the image of Jesus. By that work of the Holy Spirit is Jesus manifested individually and corporately, that He might take His place manifested as the first born among many brethren and the head of His body, the church. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 1:1-18 and others already listed)
Even as Mary opened herself to be the bond-slave of the Lord that His eternal purpose in Jesus might be accomplished through her receiving His word. Even so must we respond to His word as obedient bond-slaves and pour ourselves out as a living sacrifice to Him. (see Romans 12:1-5, James 2:18-20 & 26, Ephesians 2:9-10)
Even as Mary had a close relative who could testify concerning the ability of God to bring life out of death and barrenness, and encourage her that the impossible can be accomplished through the one that receives and believes His word. So too has God drawn us into a family, the fellowship of other believers, to support and encourage us with that same news, and to confirm His purposes for us, and that His eternal purpose being worked out through us.
Even as Mary sought counsel and confirmation from Elizabeth concerning the word of the Lord she received. Even so do we seek counsel and confirmation from other brothers and sisters in the Lord, and those in the Body of Christ that also carry the manifestation of His word and His power in themselves. And, even as Elizabeth spoke prophetic encouragement to her relative, Mary, as she was filled with the Holy Spirit, so can we be used prophetically by the Spirit to confirm the word of the Lord and encourage those we relate to in Him. (see 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 14:1-4, 22,31)
Even as what was happening with Mary had greater importance and impact on Elizabeth than Mary at first, and Mary may have not even realized its import. Even so do the things spoken to us, and that we go through, often benefit and mean more to others in the Body, at first, than they may to us.
Even as Elizabeth had greater understanding about what was going on with Mary, than Mary may have had at first. Just so do our brothers and sisters in Christ often have better understanding of what God is doing in us and what is going on with us than we do at times.
Even as Mary was blessed as she believed, and could be sure that God would do all that He had spoken to her. So too can we rest assured and be confident in His word spoken and confirmed to us, and expect to see the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose as we respond to what He speaks. (see Philippians 1:6, Numbers 23:19…the life of Abraham and others)
Even as the confirmation drew out of Mary a sincere and heartfelt worship as she understood His faithfulness to His word and His eternal purposes. And this is important: So too should the realization and understanding that we, individually, have that same source of life by the Holy Spirit in us. And, that we corporately, as the Body of Christ, hold the fullness of Jesus and His life within us, and that we are to manifest His fullness, and His love, and His power, and His victory to the world around us, and principalities and powers above us. That revelation and understanding should draw out of us sincere worship, and cause us to break forth into proclaiming His goodness and the greatness of what He has done for us. We are those who break into each new day with new mercies, love that endures forever, and purposes that sewn up in Christ Jesus.
My soul magnifies the LORD as His Spirit leads my mind into willing submission to His purposes in Jesus and into praise. My being is wrapped up in Him and His purpose. From His own infinite kindness and compassion, He has chosen the likes of the lowly, me/us, and we are the ones now counted as blessed from generation to generation. We have been exalted in Him. The Mighty One has wrought miracles in me/us. Salvation and Sanctification are mine in Him, and mine to proclaim to others in His purposes. Holy, Abundant Goodness, Exuberant Kindness is His Name. I have great reason to rejoice. His favor is without end in Jesus. The ruler of this world is overthrown. And Jesus, God with us, now rules and reigns. His kingdom manifested first in the likes of me/us. He has satisfied my hunger. He is faithful and true.
And it must be said that even as Mary brought forth Jesus, the word spoken to her and the WORD made flesh, through the suffering of childbirth and labor. So too do we through His natural order and our suffering bring forth the supernatural and His purpose and walk out its growth and full manifestation in Him.
THAT VERY SAME MIRACLE THAT HAPPENED IN MARY… IS IN US. May Jesus be brought forth, revealed, manifested, incarnate through us as his bond-slaves in love. Loving servants to Him, to each other, and to those around us.
Considering our times and the arguments over the sanctity of life, it is only proper that we consider what Mary might have said in our day instead of “Be it done to me according to your word”: In our time she might have responded… “I don’t want this.” “This will be inconvenient.” “What will people say?” “What will Joseph say?” “How will I support a child?” And anytime past conception… “I think I’ll just abort this plan.”
Are any of these our response to the opportunity to manifest Jesus in our time
May the incarnation come in fullness in you this year.
To wrap up our consideration of the incarnation from previously written pieces, this from last year, “A Bit Less Traditional View of God’s Purpose in the Birth of Christ
Jesus coming was for the redemption and salvation of man. But more than that, yes more, His coming was wrapped up in God’s eternal purpose to fellowship with you intimately. His desire to make it possible for you to know Him, as well as He knows you; and possible for you to be comfortable with Him, and He comfortable with you. His name was called Emmanuel.- God with us.
Here are a few scriptures that are a bit less traditional to the season, but outline God’s purpose in the incarnation we celebrate
[Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB] “18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His (God’s)calling, what are the riches of the glory of His (God’s) inheritance in the saints (believers), 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His (God’s) power toward us who believe. [These are] in accordance with the working of the strength of His (God’s) might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He (God) raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and seated Him(Jesus) at His right hand in the heavenly [places,] 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He (God) put all things in subjection under His(Jesus) feet, and gave Him (Jesus) as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His (Jesus) body, the fullness of Him (God) who fills all in all.”
[2 Corinthians 5:21]“He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus) .”
An inheritance comes only after a death. Jesus came not to be your personal savior, although He is that, and that salvation is the portal to His greater purpose. But, He came primarily to present to the Father His (God’s) inheritance in the likes of you and me. What the scripture calls “the saints”.
How glorious the incarnation in the purpose of God, how great His grace and love, how deep His desire, from eternity past, to bring us into intimate fellowship, so that His only begotten Son might be the first born of many brothers/sisters who are in Him.
[Hebrews 2:9-11 NASB95] 9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, [namely,] Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one [Father;] for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[1John 3:1-3 NASB95] 1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and [such] we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope [fixed] on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
The hope we have as children, sons and daughters, of God would be great if it were only to see Him. But God’s full love has not only made seeing Him our hope. But, our hope goes far beyond just seeing Jesus to being being like Him,
John, who had seen and touched the incarnate Jesus. The incarnate Word!!! invites us into the same fellowship he enjoyed with Jesus, and the fellowship Jesus has had with the Father for all eternity. Imagine. GOD WITH US… and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ.
[1John 1:1-3 NASB95] 1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-– 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us– 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas…. Celebrating God with Us!