Wonder Of Advent #19

Blessing and Favor

Read: Luke 1:39-45

God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.

Luke 1:42

GABRIEL HAD TOLD MARY she was highly favored, and Elizabeth echoed the thought in her greeting. This young relative of hers was blessed above all women, endowed with the honor of carrying the chosen child, the son of the Most High, within her. It was an extraordinary position in history, the culmination of long-ago prophecies and the messianic expectations of her people. Prophecy was unfolding before Elizabeth’s eyes, and she could not help but marvel. The baby in her own womb jumped for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. This was an unusual blessing indeed.

But both Elizabeth and Mary were familiar enough with God’s ways and his Word to know that “blessed” often comes with a cost. Mary could rightly beam with the honor bestowed on her, but raising this child and watching his controversial and sacrificial ministry unfold would not be easy. She was blessed with an eternal gift and privilege—and also with the turmoil that comes when God’s purposes interrupt humanity’s agendas. If she had been anchored in the pleasures and plans of this world, she might well have wondered if her calling was a blessing at all. Anchored in eternity, however, she knew God’s blessings transcend the sacrifices of the moment.

It has always been that way. The most blessed people in Scripture have been those who endured all sorts of opposition, hardships, delays, and questions. The nation of Israel itself was so blessed by God that it became the world’s foremost example in receiving God’s wisdom and miracles while experiencing adversity and discipline. Moses was blessed as a deliverer and endured decades of resistance from the enemy and his own people. David was blessed with the kingship and endured years of exile and opposition. The prophets were blessed with revelation from God—and were often killed for it. Blessing and ease do not often go hand in hand.

That’s a sobering thought for all who seek God’s blessings. His calling, rich with eternal significance, is disruptive to temporal agendas. Nothing he does in this rebellious world is uncontested; as we partner with him, we inevitably enter the conflict of two realms. But the glory always outweighs the pain. The blessing is always worth the cost. Elizabeth was not wrong; Mary really was blessed and highly favored forever. Through her child, so are we.

Prayer

Lord, I am not ashamed to seek your blessing. I boldly ask for your favor. I know it isn’t always comfortable or easy, but I choose it anyway. Thank you that your blessing, however costly, is always good. Amen.

REFLECTION

How have you experienced the relationship between sacrifice and blessing in your life? Why is it necessary to remember that God’s blessings are always worth the cost?

Further reading: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

The holly bears a bark

as bitter as any gall,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

for to redeem us all.

“THE HOLLY AND THE IVY,” FRENCH-ENGLISH CAROL