Jesus is Essential
Luke 1:34–36: Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.
Humble, reflective Mary thought about it—and understood. Then she asked the logical question: “How will this be since I am a virgin?” (v. 34)—literally, “How can this be since I have not known a man sexually?” Mary was not disbelieving—she was simply asking for enlightenment. The question was biological: “God, how are you going to do this?” It is the question that all those who know Jesus have asked: “God, how is it possible?”
Have you asked, “God, how can I experience the life of Jesus within me?” This is a life-giving question because it requires an examination of the significance of Christ’s atoning work on the cross and how its cleansing benefits come to us by faith. The mysteries of the new birth must also be contemplated—the work of the Holy Spirit, what it means to be “in Christ” and a “new creation,” and much more. Such “how can this be?” contemplations often serve as a prelude to knowing Christ. 1
Walking with Jesus
Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit power upon you? Will you ask Him now?
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Without His power upon me, I am powerless. – TWEET IT
Praying
Lord, thank you for Your saving power and Your serving power, through the Holy Spirit.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
