This devotional is about Gabriel one of many Bible Characters that Carole has shared over the months and we hope you enjoy it.
I gazed down when God unfolded the grey scene before me, it was bleak. The rocky terrain had no colour and the faceless people were busily going about their tasks. I sensed that they were suffering in their harsh lives.
Thank you pixabay.com Statue of an Angel in Angel Church New York
The inner light had gone out of their eyes. I wondered if they had deliberately resisted what life had presented, or if bit by bit, something in there hearts had died. I knew it was something which God intended to change. He wanted to nurture the people, bringing stability and hope into the world which when examined from the outside, appeared grim and mundane.
My attention, which had been so intensely focused on the display before me, suddenly perked up with anticipation. The dullness of the scene suddenly vanished. It wasn’t that the colours had changed, the young girl who joined the play was dressed in the same uniform, of drab, plain clothes which the others wore, but she was different.
This girl was vibrant! Her ready smile travelling, touched beyond where her eyes fell. Everyone around stopped blending in and appeared to grow in stature. I watched as her warm presence changed the heart of the village.
“You see it all Gabriel, this is Mary, she will give birth to Jesus, she will be the mother of My Son.” The voice resonated through me like a gentle thunder.
Mary looked very young, but she was strong and I could sense her popularity. God in his wisdom, had made a faultless choice. I hoped that when I went to her with God’s request, that Mary would see it that way. “Go now Gabriel and prepare her.” I left heaven, my task was clear.
I enjoyed the melody that Mary was humming. I found her bent over the clear stream, she allowed the cool water to trickle through her fingers, she playfully delved amongst the pebbles at the bottom, watching as the tiny fish darted away from her hand.
Her head was inclined to one side, as if she was listening, something made her aware of my presence. My eyes found and met her clear brown ones, she gazed at me intently, not uttering a sound.
Something within me underwent a change. I paused in my breathing, could this child, really become the mother, of the Saviour of the world? Who was I to question God’s judgement? But this joyful girl, if she agreed, would have such pain in store for her. She, like Jesus, would have to experience enormous heartache, I didn’t want it to destroy her innocence.
Mary would have to endure shame, scorn, probably rejection, from family and friends, all this before God’s son could even be born. It is well that the future is just that, the future, best left unknown and entrusted to the wisdom of God. “Gabriel,” Mary spoke softly, her voice like a gentle breeze, “why do you linger? To God’s will.
Stretching out my hand towards this young girl, I proclaimed God’s intention! Mary listened intently. I quickly noted a mixture of emotions which crossed her innocent features. She was quietly accepting, especially for one so young. I didn’t embellish anything.
Thank you freebibleimages.org
stated that God had chosen ‘her,’ to be the mother of his only Son. I didn’t expect any arguments, God had looked into her heart and he knew her! My words were carefully and silently digested, it was only when I added his name, “Jesus,” that I saw the uncertainty enter her eyes.
“But how can this be, I am a virgin”.
I explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that Jesus would be called, ‘The son of the most high’! Mary’s searching eyes penetrated mine. “Let it be as you have said”. Bowing my head, I left her, blessed amongst all women.
Carole Crossley (Devotional Readings)
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