Friday, December 22, 2000
Friday, December 22, 2000
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with
God."
Mary's pregnancy could result in shame and ostracism, and the possible end of her engagement to
Joseph. Because of Jesus, Mary and Joseph would have to flee to Egypt, and later Mary would
see her child tortured to death. And yet the angel was telling her she was blessed. And she was,
of course. Two thousand years later, we still talk about this young Jewish girl and her role in the
world's greatest drama. No doubt she was greatly blessed. But sometimes God's blessings hurt.
(Luke 1:30
NRSV)
Isn't it interesting how sometimes God's blessings hurt? Abram was asked to leave his home and
family to start life over in a new land. God would make him the father of a mighty nation, but
first he had to give up any semblance of security or status. Jacob wrestled with an angel until he
got his blessing, but in the process he wound up with a hip knocked out of joint.
Lord Jesus, sometimes your blessings challenge me or cause me pain, but help me to remain
faithful to your call. Amen.
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