Quiet Reflection‌ Luke 1:26-33

Do you ever respond and then immediately regret your words? I find myself more often than I’d like to admit in a situation where I began speaking and halfway through my sentence I realize I did not fully understand the meaning of the other person. How many less than enjoyable conversations could be avoided if we spent a moment in reflection, attempting to discern the other’s meaning before we blurt out our objection or affirmation? Mary the mother of our Lord takes a lot of time to reflect on her situation. Her uncle, Zechariah could have taken a few lessons from this rather mature teenage young lady.
‌
She is met with the same angel as Zechariah, but where he responds immediately in doubt, she is troubled but holds her tongue. It is interesting that she is troubled at Gabriel’s greeting, but not his appearance. Mary teaches us something here, that we are likely to miss as we run to quickly speak on the many extremely important, doctrines contained in this passage. She teaches us to take a moment and discern what the Lord has said and what the Lord is doing in and around us.
‌
The angel Gabriel, tells her to not fear that the Lord is with her, that she will conceive and bear a Son who will be King forever and truly Great! Any one of these statements deserve our discernment and reflection on how they impact our lives and the lives of those God has given us. Mary’s wisdom in comparison to her few years is really amazing.
‌
Take some time this morning to reflect on God’s great truths and grace that we got experience yesterday. Ask the Lord to help you discern what you should be focused on this week. Then pray for the wisdom by God’s grace to apply His truth to your situation. I am sure that we will all be much better off if we allow time for the Lord to guide our steps prior to forging ahead to face this week.