The Name Jesus

Luke 1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
 
MARY is processing a good deal of information. She began the day a typical teen-aged girl in Nazareth, looking forward to her marriage to Jospeh. Amid her everyday life she receives a message directly from heaven’s throne. She’s been addressed, “Highly favored.” Mary is likely wondering, “Who am I to hear such things?” We can visualize her mind is twirling, seeking to stop on a spot of reality. How will she grasp the meaning of this very unexpected visitor from the LORD God Almighty?
    Then Mary learned the focus of Gabriel’s message. She heard the answer to a question perhaps every Jewish woman born in David’s lineage had asked, “Will I be the one to give birth to the Savior?” That’s what “Jesus” means. “Jesus” in Hebrew is pronounced “Ye shu a” or Joshua. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua. Gabriel, the angel, had told Mary she is the one who was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  
    What would you do? We consider what it’s like when we receive really good news, especially if it’s the answer to a long-held question. Suddenly we are free of worry and wondering, “When will it happen?” Your body releases tension, almost a cleansing of doubt from your soul. “Thank you, Father.” rises from your tongue. How great is your joy to know in your heart God’s love is truly guiding your life. Do you adore and worship your Lord for surpassing goodness?
Mary’s worship is about to become deeply personal as she enters a very, very close relationship with the LORD God. There will be a cost to this relationship. Mary will need God’s comforting hands many times. She will encounter doubts, questions and accusations from Joseph and family. There will be the very difficult journey to Bethlehem. Later will come the sudden flight to Egypt, a country long an enemy to the Jews. Mary will watch and hear the threats against Jesus when he debates, accuses and judges the Pharisees. Mary will fear the cross and despair at the tomb. Yes, God’s plan will bring great trial to this Jewish girl, privileged to be the Son of God’s mother.
Still, she will rejoice! Mary will trust and believes in her purpose. Mary understood her life belonged to God as the means to release his Son into Israel for the salvation of the world.
 
Prayer: Lord God, you have created me. You have chosen me to be your child. Use me to release your gospel into the world. I am yours. In Jesus’ name, amen