DAY EIGHT: Favored by God

As we consider some general character qualities of Mary in Luke 1.26-45, we begin with the observation that Mary was filled with God's grace.

In human estimation, Mary was a nobody. A country maiden from the backwoods. A woman in a man's world. A young person (probably about age 14) in a world that revered those with age and experience. Poor. Her marriage was not yet finalized and she had no children, so she had nothing to validate her identity in society. In the world's eyes, Mary was invisible, without any characteristics that would give her prominence or recognition.

What sets Mary apart in the Bible is this word: “Greetings, favoured one, the Lord is with you…You have found favour with God.” She is the object of God’s grace, and it is God’s grace alone that makes her great.

1. In God’s grace and favor, Mary was born into a devout family and grew up in the faith. When you read her Magnificat of praise in Luke 1.46-55, you see that she had been well instructed in the Scriptures and that she longed for God’s salvation to come.
   
2. In God’s grace and favor, he had also preserved her in health and purity.
   
3. In his grace and favor, God had given her a righteous fiancée in Joseph, who treated her with the utmost respect, kindness and understanding.
   
4. Finally, God called Mary to the most honored vocation in Israel’s history—to be the mother of the Messiah.

The Lord was with her. Grace was upon Mary in an incomparable way.