Imagine being an adolescent, engaged to a man (just as binding as marriage), in a culture where honor is so important, and being found pregnant could bring judgment, even death stones. And then this divine being asks you to carry the Son of God in your womb, the Messiah, who would save His people. Could you say no? I mean, you’re being asked to be placed in a very vulnerable situation, and yet this is God, all-knowing and all-mighty.
And think about how Joseph must of felt, a young man of honor and your bride-to-be is prego. He also would of endured shame and ridicule. But he, “being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Mat ) And then an angel of the Lord appears to him and reassures him… “Your bride is alright, it’s just the Son of God that she’s carrying!” Could you imagine? “Honey I’m pregnant! And it’s the Saviour of the universe!” Talk about responsibility! But this Mary and Joseph, although they’re young and poor and simple people, they have what God is looking for. Good hearts, willing to trust in Him and accept this challenge.
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’ which means, God with us.” (Mat 1:22-23) Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah who died more than 700 years earlier! Prophecy is a foretelling or forth-telling of God’s word about a truth, the present or the future. God uses such prophecies to bear witness to His authority, Kingship, faithfulness, and love. And he uses unlikely candidates, often an underdog, so we know where the glory goes. I think He knows we need confirmation, and I think He likes showing up and showing off when we seek Him. I think He loves us that much.
Isaiah 7:14
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