SCARY GOOD NEWS
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31, ESV
Theme: Even good news can be scary, while at the same time, exciting.
JUMP SCARE
I don’t like being frightened. I ask my family and friends not to hide and jump out at me. Once, early in our relationship, I asked my husband to “surprise me” regarding a food or drink choice. When I returned, he surprised me alright, by jumping out at me and scaring me half to death. That is not our favorite memory. I don’t like jump scares.
“Do not be afraid,” is often spoken by a messenger of God to the recipient of the message. It was said by an angel to Elijah (1 Kings 1:15), Zechariah (Luke 1:13), Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30), and to the women at Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 28:5). When Mary first saw and heard the angel, did she think it was a fire, or a man with a torch? Did she try to run or hide? Did she pray? The angel Gabriel said “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you,” and yet she was troubled and afraid. We know why Gabriel came (to announce Jesus, the Messiah!). We know about Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. However, Mary didn’t know any details. All she knew is that she was favored, singled out, and was being addressed by a very intimidating being. An awesome, supernatural experience for sure, although it appears the instinctive first reaction was shock and fear (as it would have been for me). Talk about a jump scare!
BRAVE
Mary was scared; the angel tried to calm and comfort her by saying, “Do not be afraid.” However, the subsequent announcements he made aren’t comfortable or less frightening. “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” While we know this to be Good News for all people of all time, on a personal level this news could have devastated Mary. That is, if it wasn’t from her own beloved God.
We know that Mary isn’t stoned to death or disowned because of her unusual pregnancy. What we don’t know is how close it came to any of those outcomes. Mary didn’t know she would be protected. (We know that Joseph is given a revelation, also – although it wasn’t simultaneous. We know that he chooses to care for and support Mary.) Mary didn’t know many things, but she did know God. She must have known Him well because despite all the loose ends and uncommunicated details, she bravely accepts the rest of the message, asking only “How,” never “Why.”
“HOW” FAITH
When moving forward through difficult tasks or circumstances, it helps me to remember the “why.” Before we commence a crazy Christmas at The Cove schedule, we pray together and remember why we serve. This motivates our action and helps us to remain focused on the important parts without becoming angry or distracted by imperfections.
Yet, when we KNOW God compels us, as Mary did, the only faithful question to ask of Him is “How?” Not “How can You do this?” but “How do I take part in it?” In Mary’s case, she is being told she will conceive. She probably has enough experience to know how that usually happens. However, as an unmarried virgin, she is in no position to cooperate in the usual fashion unless this is going to happen far in the future. If this is happening now, “how” is a practical question. If only Abraham and Sarah had asked “how” before involving Hagar in God’s plans. If only Rebecca had asked “how” before helping Jacob deceive his own father. Mary’s question “How” shows her true heart of submission and cooperation and her commitment to honoring God.
Make It Personal: What exciting news is also scary to you? What fears and outcomes could you turn over to God? What would it look like to ask “how” in the face of fears instead of “why?” Pray with thanksgiving and cooperation today – whatever you’re facing.
Pray: God: Some news scares me so much. It makes me tremble to think about war, politics, and the future. Yet I know You are in control, and You know all the details I’m missing. Help me to trust You with “how” faith, the kind of faith that enables me to take the next right step and not worry about everything else. You are so faithful and kind. You were faithful back in Mary’s day, and You are today. She had fewer resources than I and yet she trusted You without hesitation. Help me to grow my faith and follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.
Read: Luke 1:26-37; Psalm 112:6-8
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV