Text: Luke 1:26-38, Job 33:4
Oh, how I love Mary. I love that God chose her. I love that she believed the words of Gabriel with obedience and without hesitation—never asking if, but only “how?” She is chosen, she is key, and indeed Mary is blessed among women!
But the Holy Spirit! This new information about the character of the Holy Spirit as an inseparable member of Almighty God is a game changer. What the angel Gabriel says to Mary teaches us so much about the Spirit’s role and our own relationship with the Father and the Son! You see, the Holy Spirit is a promoter of Christ.
John Piper wrote an essay back in 1984 titled “Christ Conceived By The Holy Spirit,” and in it he says the Holy Spirit’s ministry “is to point away from Himself to the wonder of God the Son and God the Father. Being filled with the Spirit means being filled with love for Christ… The Spirit is shy; He is self-effacing. When we look toward him, he steps back and pushes forward Jesus Christ” (emphasis mine).
How about that?
Come to think of it, Mary’s role imitates the Holy Spirit’s in the most simple, beautiful way, doesn’t it?
While the members of the Trinity are coequal in power and in standing with one another (all equally God), they are also distinct. Most typically we pray to become more like the Son in love, humility and passion for the Father. We look to the Father as the creator of heaven and earth; mighty in power, yet intimate and present. And it’s probably fair to assess that we look to the Spirit primarily as a helper. The Spirit is indeed our Great Helper, but let’s not miss His distinct example as well.
“From the very beginning of Christ’s incarnation the Holy Spirit was quietly doing what needed to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man.” -Piper
What would it look like if the same were said of us in our daily lives?
“From the time she wakes up, ___________ is quietly doing what needs to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man.”
Reading that over—inserting our names—puts flesh on bones of our calling as Christians. It reminds us that we, like Mary, have been called by God to participate in the coming of His Kingdom in a way that is unique to us and precious to Him. The mother of Jesus daily and quietly put flesh on her faith by “doing what needs to be done to put forth Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man.” Dear friends, we can do the same!
Let’s ask ourselves today: What does this look like, in my real, everyday life? What does it mean to quietly put forth Christ?
As we consider the Holy Spirit’s wonderful, powerful and mysterious role in the birth of Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us—may we also remember that He is our promised Helper (John 14:26). If the Spirit’s role is to ever magnify the Father and Son, and our role as Christians is to do the same, don’t you think the Helper will undergird us in all things? Yes! Thanks be to God.
AND A HAPPY BONUS: You can find a lovely lock screen (created in collaboration with True Cotton Art!) that corresponds with today’s reading in the lock screen section of the She Reads Truth Android or iOS app!
For an added layer of worship during this sweet season of adoration and expectation, we’ve created a Spotify playlist for Advent 2014! You can find the complete SheReadsTruth | O Come Let Us Adore Him playlist at this link, or listen to today’s track on the player below. Enjoy!
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53 thoughts on "Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary"
My purpose is to make much of Jesus! To point others to his goodness and love!! To live is Christ, to die is gain!!
I’m standing in line at Urban Outfitters reading this, thinking about a date I have later, and thinking, what if he totally saw me as the daughter of God I am? My first thought was panic. Panic. This just challenges me to look at how I do shine my light on our Jesus. Our thoughts shouldn’t lead to panic people will see Him in us. They should lead to joy, unbridled joy :).
God is good. For some reason when I was younger I was afraid of the Holy Spirit, of which now I am ashamed. I love the message today, and will hold it in my heart and try, with the help of our Savior and the Holy Spirit to live a life that points always to Jesus!
It's amazing how God can choose the meekest and shyest people to be apart of something that is so amazing and crucial to history And he is looking for a people that will answer to the calling that he has on our lives in spite of what it may look like, and in spite of what we may or may not be comfortable with. A lot of times God may call us into a place that may not be in our comfort zone, but nevertheless we must answer to his calling and his purpose for our lives. Like Mary did, she humbly accepted the calling and assignment that the Holy spirit gave to her in spite of how she felt. Thank God for her and the Woman of God that she was, for if it hadn't been for her humble obediEnce, History itself would have been changed, but I doubt that God would have stopped there, he would have found someone else to fulfill his purpose and his will. AMEN
I just finished watching the Christmas party and I didn’t want it to end!! Thank you ladies for constantly pointing women to Jesus Christ. Angie Smith, God bless you for the Word you shared tonight. For pointing out the invisible line and the paradigm shift between Luke 1:25 and Luke 1:26. I pray that we all are covered with the grace to move from duty to devotion and desire of our Savior, Messiah and King Jesus!
I was also blessed by what Angie shared! I’m so thankful to God for these women for speaking truth into my life tonight! My heart is full from His word and that beautiful time of worship we shared
I love, love this blog! But I'm doubting this particular post based on the usage of Job 33:4. :(
I do not understand how Job 33:4 fits into this post as an encouraging verse. It's a quote by Elihu said to Job in bad company. Elihu is making fun of Job, who had said something similar earlier in the book. Elihu is saying that he has the spirit and breath of the Holy Spirit so anything he says to Job is valid. It's a statement made in a sort of mockery. Can someone help me understand how it is still an encouraging, fitting verse to this post?
What happened to the Christmas party. The screen said taking a break be right back, but nothing happened. Disappointed.
Wow! This: “What would it look like if [this was true of me in my daily life]? ‘From the time she wakes up, ___________ is quietly doing what needs to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man’.” Because, really, shouldn’t this be the story of my life? Isn’t this the ultimate goal? But how often am I distracted by so many other (inferior) purposes? Sobering.
Being filled with the Spirit means being filled with love for Christ…My devotion today is about understanding the Christ truly loves us (me), to really know that and be confident in that very fact, In order to be filled with the love for Christ we must first know that we (me) are loved. My prayer today is that I will never underestimate or doubt the love that He has for me!
I am having a difficult time thinking of what it means to quietly put forth Christ in my own life.. please help me by shedding some understand on this!
I think of it as what can I do today to show that I am a follower of Christ? I can be unafraid of sharing his love with my friends at work. Perhaps there is someone who would benefit by knowing about this study. Or even more simply I can choose joy today and work on loving others. Maybe that means just doing my best today at work and thereby giving glory to Jesus. We all have opportunities to pu forward Jesus, we just need to be aware of them in the moment and be brave. Something I am working on as well.
The Holy Spirit as a helper and an example. Sometimes I think that promoting Christ has to be done loudly- worn on a t-shirt, in blasts of Christian music in my car, talked about when I eat in our staff lunchroom. And while those promotions are good and can point others towards Christ, I forget that I can quietly promote Him too- praying in the stillness each morning before my family wakes up, picking up the tab of the person behind me in the Starbucks drive through, donating food, toys, and clothing to people I will never meet, not raising my voice in anger at my children, wiping up someone else's mess at work. I pray that Yhe Spirit will reveal to me more quiet ways to promote Christ.
This is so appropriate, because literally just 2 days ago I wrote a blog post about how I'd been thinking about Mary and her ability to say "yes" without hesitation. It said so much to me about WHOM she believed in.
I love that, Emily! It's amazing to revisit this story each year and learn something new about Our Savior!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
This is so exciting to me!! To have the Holy Spirit as my helper to put forth Christ in my life. I’m a demo lady at Trader Joes, and I’m in contact with customers constantly. I ask every morning before work, that The Lord would let me be a blessing or a light to people at my stand….let me tell you, I KNOW when he has sent the Holy Spirit to help me!! There can be some “stinker” people out there, but I can feel that unmistakable power that can only be from him,,Not Me,, it’s wonderful! I’m so grateful we serve/have a Father who wants to help us in so many ways, especially in promoting His Son. Enjoy your day ladies,xo
Beth, first of all, demo ladies at Trader Joe's are my FAVORITE! I can only imagine the incredible ways He uses you in that position! What a wonderful opportunity to insert joy in the most unexpected places! Love to you, friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Haha,,thanks! One of my customers calls my demo stand, “my pulpit”, love that!!
Great stuff! Next read: that John Piper paper! I love the idea that the Holy Spirit is powerful but shy– and yes, I do find “shy” an appropriate word. Not as a measure of its might, but of its humility. I’ve actually tried to put this in words before and failed so thank you for this post! I think this applies very much to us as believers, and the responsibility we have of the Spirit flowing through us– to take it seriously and let it help, but also to do so with humility (as was said here) pointing back to Christ. The topic in which I’ve explored this idea before is Spiritual Gifts, that we should use ours with that posture.
Whooeee. Convicting. Wow.
I love the comparison of Zachariah and Mary here. Zachariah asks WHY and Mary asks HOW. A great question was asked at the end of this message: HOW are we quietly putting forth Jesus up front, daily in our lives. Prayers SRT.
That's my favorite part too, Eryn! May my action's be like those of Mary, today and every day! Blessings to you, sister!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Oh my, Raechel! This is powerful and beautiful! I want this to be my life's motto, from this day forward…quietly, gently, softly putting forth Jesus Christ! God richly bless you this season, all of you at SRT, and each of you dear sisters in Christ. Peace of Christ…
Liz, it's such a joy to have you in our community! Blessings to you, dear friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Love this message of “putting forth Jesus Christ.” But I can’t wrap my mind around the Holy Spirit being “shy”. Must be my Pentecostal background. Lol
Hehe- I thought the same thing!
Maybe try to think of him not as "shy" in the traditional sense – shrinking back, being afraid to speak, being self conscious. But "shy" in the sense of that person (we all know one) who is consistently working without being noticed in the background. She is strong. She is deep. She is very kind. And she is ALWAYS doing the stuff that must be done, but her work always points to someone else.
Not that the Holy Spirit is a woman, but I always imagine the Holy Spirit kind of like one of those amazing church ladies who seems to be everywhere at once!
What a beautiful reminder that the Holy Spirit lives within us and equips us to do what God calls us to do. I forget this too often. Thank you Lord!
That was so powerful and intense. I love putting our own names in this sentence. Beautiful!
Leah, what a joy it is to have you reading truth with us today!! Grace and peace to you this season!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
WOW! powerful, yet gentle… the Holy Spirit is. he is our guide, our comforter, our help, our counselor, our friend.
He is seen through-out all the scriptures…even from the beginning. how wonderful that He is ever present in our lives today!
He is the one that enables to do hard things, to give God praise, to be a wife, to help a friend, to keep going, to pray.
He helps us to put forth Jesus right where we live! We love you Jesus.
was just thinking how beautiful it would be to hear all of us SRT girls saying together:
from the time she wakes up……..is quietly doing what needs to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as The Son of God and the Savior of man.
what power in the Word. what conviction.
Kendall, that would be SO beautiful! What a wonderful image. Praise be to Him!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Let me spend all my waking hours working quietly to put forth Christ.
Amen, Joanne! What a wonderful prayer. May His Name be glorified!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." {Luke 1:38}
I love Mary's humble acceptance of God's will in her life. In spite of the fears she might have had – an angel appearing to her, the magnitude of carrying the Savior of the world – she said Yes! Yes, without hesitation. Yes, in faith knowing that she couldn't do this alone but that God would be with her. His Spirit would dwell in her.
May I humbly have eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to accept God's daily will for my life. Grateful for Mary. Grateful for her character and example. Thank you, Lord.
Such a powerful message and reminder as I go through the day… “from the time Sheryl wakes up she is quietly doing what needs to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of man.” How will You ask me to participate today? How will You work through me quietly, softly, gently to bring Your life to someone today? “Let it be to me as you have said…”
Let me begin, by adding my name ….and signing up to do what God has called me to participate in …the coming of His kingdom..
From the time she wakes up, _'Christiana Esi Praba_' is quietly doing what needs to be done to put forward Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man.”…
Holy Spirit…Thank you for being my Helper, my Comforter, My Inner friend…..
Holy Spirit,.. as The mother of Jesus daily and quietly put flesh on her faith by “doing what needs to be done to put forth Christ as the Son of God and Savior of man.” ….May I ask that you guide, and direct and help me, as I honestly and wholeheartedly navigate my life in this direction….putting flesh on my faith….Holy Spirit, come upon me, that the power of the Most High will overshadow me..(Luke 1:35).causing me to sing Mary's song…My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour…for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant….for the Mighty one, has done great things for me.. Holy is his name….(Luke 1:46-49…) Amen…
Come Holy Spirit, come….
Fill me Holy Spirit, fill me with more of the Love of Christ….
Happy Tuesday Sister's….praying that you are so filled with more of the Love of Jesus Christ… sending hugs across the cold pond today…with love…Tina…xxx
Beautiful prayer, Tina
A very beautiful prayer. Wishing you a cheerful Tuesday as well. Xo
Just beautiful!
Holy Spirit is quite literally in dwelling mankind to produce fruit! Glory to God!
Isn't that so wonderful, Taime'?! I'm in awe of this truth today. Happy to see you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Thank you for this reminder of Holy Spirit’s active work decades before Pentecost!
I love that the quote says the Spirit is shy- that’s how I’ve come to know Him. He’s gentle and pushes us almost unnoticeably, but the more we honor Him, the greater He is present. I notice it in people who speak His words- kind, soft, understanding and indeed a little shy of the big words they speak, but always pointing to our Jesus. I think that’s why we are warned in the Bible not to offend or to make sad the Holy Spirit, because His nature is shy and He can distance Himself from us. Thank God He never leaves us, and shows us Who we should be like while gently pushing and comforting us!
Great insight, Margriet! I have been sitting here for the longest trying to figure out what it means to "quietly put forth Christ." You describe the Holy Spirit and Mary–kind, soft, understanding, pointing to Jesus. I am writing that down and posting it over the sink, by the homework station, and at my bedside. When flesh and frustration try to shout, I want to hear the Spirit whisper. To be kind. Soft. Understanding. Pointing to Jesus.
Wow good thoughts.
Good thoughts as I struggled with describing Him as shy.
So often, we forget about the Holy Spirit. We neglect this important part of the Trinity, and seem to forget the role of the Spirit all together. When we study God’s Word and share the Gospel, the Spirit works through us, pushing us closer to God in the process. How great it is that the Spirit had a very important role in Advent, as it does in all of our everyday lives as well.
Yes! Love that, Sarah. The Holy Spirit's role is such a wonderful reminder, especially during the Advent season! Thankful for these truths!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Puts flesh and bone in the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen!