David Beaulieu

Q4. (Luke 1:38) What is the essence of Mary's positive response to the angel? What can we learn from her response for our own lives? In what sense was Mary's response an "informed consent"? When we respond to God, what do we consent to? I can almost hear the same resolve that Queen Esther had when she said, "if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). These are statements of faith, obedience and resolve. The Apostle Paul in Phil 3:12 was in hot pursuit of that for which he had been chosen. He said, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. The will of God and the assignments given to His chosen should be embraced like this... Whatever you say, Lord, whatever you want... that's what I want, and that is what I will do. As Jesus said, "not my will but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42) The willing and the obedient will eat the good of the land (Isa 1:19)

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. Zacharius, being of the tribe of Levi, and aware of the history of his people, had to know about the miracle of Abraham and Sarah's son Isaac. A precedence had been set concerning this kind of divine intervention. Zacharius' response seemed to be ladened with doubt, rather than trusting faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God ( Hebrews 11:6) It doesn't seem that God was too pleased with Zacharius' response. Mary, on the other hand, seem to be asking a legitimate question. 34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" When the angle answered, vs 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." Mary's response showed that she was ready to embrace God's word to her and God's will for her... 38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Hi Pastor Ralph, My name is David, I'm pastor of Valley Victory Church in Montana http://www.valleyvictorychurch.com. I have gleaned from your online studies for many years. This is the first time I've actually been part of this type of study. I look forward to being involved. Blessings David Beaulieu