When bad things happen we tend to forget that God has a plan. Subconsciously we assume that he is taken by surprise or is indifferent to the pain in the world. We end up with the vague sense that he doesn't really care. But from the very first bad thing God has a plan.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel (see Genesis 3:15).
The sin and sorry that is part of the story of the world just seems so strong. By contrast, God's plan seems weak and unlikely to succeed. But he knows what he is doing. We celebrate today the beginning of the culmination of that plan, weak and unlikely though it is.
Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.
All the flawed history of Israel is not enough to prevent God from raising up Mary as the mother of the messiah. She is humble and ready to accept whatever plan God has for her even if it is completely unexpected and hard to understand. She stands in contrast to the world, the flesh, and the devil which bring forth bad fruit by force. Mary brings forth the fruit or her womb by humility, patience, obedience, and love.
Mary reveals that God is faithful to his promises. He has plans for us as well.
And those he predestined he also called;
and those he called he also justified;
and those he justified he also glorified.
Perhaps they will be fulfilled in unexpected and unguessed ways. But if we just persevere with him we will know the same victory that God brings forth through Mary.
We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.
So even if victory seems unlikely, let us put our trust in the LORD. He is faithful to all his promises.
But I trust in your mercy.
Grant my heart joy in your salvation,
I will sing to the LORD,
for he has dealt bountifully with me!
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