SURPRISE | Navigating the Unexpected

Mixed Blessings

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 NIV

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Luke 1:26-38 NIV

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Exodus 20:9 NIV

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

1) HOLD ON TO THE FAVOR

Luke 1:28 NIV

28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 2:19 NIV

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Ephesians 1:3-14 NIV

2) EMBRACE THE SERVE

Luke 1:38 NIV

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mark 10:45 NIV

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 23:11 NIV

The greatest among you will be your servant.

Acts 20:35 NIV

…the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

3) CALL A FRIEND

Luke 1:36 NIV

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

4) WRITE A SONG OF TRUST

Luke 1:37 NIV

For no word from God will ever fail.

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1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Luke 1:46-55 NIV

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52 He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble.53 He has filled the hungry with good thingsbut has sent the rich away empty.54 He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,just as he promised our ancestors.”