Blogging Through The Gospels: Luke 1, Part 1

Wow, welcome to Luke, everyone!! I just can't believe we're basically half-done already, the time has just gone so fast and it's been so much fun to take just a chapter a day and then blog on that.

Today's chapter is Luke 1, as you might suspect. However, since this chapter is so long, Amy over at Mom's Toolbox has wisely split this chapter into two days. Today is naturally part 1 of the chapter, covering verses 1-38.

These verses describe two stories. First, the angel Gabriel comes to the elderly priest Zechariah while he was serving in the temple, and Gabriel tells Zechariah that he and his wife Elisabeth will be found with child soon. Zechariah doesn't believe that this can happen, so God makes it so Zechariah can't talk at all until the baby is born. This baby grows up to be John the Baptist. About six months later, Gabriel again makes an appearance, this time to a young virgin girl named Mary. Gabriel reveals to the astounded Mary that she will be with child, and that her child will be the Son of God.

Before we get on with our SOAP, I'd kinda like to point out one thing. When Zechariah hears of what is going to happen, he responds,

"How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." ~Luke 1:18

After Zechariah says this, Gabriel gives a punishment, because of Zechariah's unbelief. But when Gabriel comes to Mary, and she says something similar...

""How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"" ~Luke 1:34

And in the situation of Mary, Gabriel doesn't give her a punishment. Zechariah and Mary basically said the same thing; they both asked how this would be, and gave a reason that they couldn't do it. But God punishes one and not the other. I was wondering why that might be as I read this chapter today.

OK. Let's SOAP!

Scripture:

"The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."" ~Luke 1:28

Observation:

As you might remember, this is how the angel Gabriel approaches Mary.

Application:

God wants to do marvelous, wonderful things through us. Are we as willing to do what God wants as Mary was?

""I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her." ~Luke 1:38

Prayer:

Dear God, I know that you want to do wonderful and marvelous things through me. Please, help me to become willing to do what you want me to do. Amen. 

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P.S.--To learn more about this blogging-through-the-gospels program, or if YOU would like to join yourself (you're more than welcome-jump right in!!) go to: http://www.momstoolbox.com/