Monday, 17th March 2025
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: THE ANNOUNCEMENT
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus” – Luke 1:30-31
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How would you have reacted if you were Mary?
- What does Mary’s response teach you about faith and obedience?
In times of heightened anticipation, it feels as though everything comes to a standstill as people eagerly await a life-altering announcement. After 20 years under Jerry Rawlings's leadership, Ghana was on the cusp of a historic democratic transition in December 2000. The fiercely contested runoff between John Atta Mills and John Agyekum Kufuor kept the entire nation on tenterhooks. On December 28, 2000, amidst an atmosphere charged with tension and suspense, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan proclaimed John Kufuor as the winner—an announcement that would forever change the course of Ghana’s political history.
The announcement in Luke 1:30-31 was even more significant—not just for a nation but for all humanity. From the Garden of Eden to the era of the prophets, the promise of a Messiah ignited centuries of anticipation among the Israelites. After 400 years of divine silence from the last prophecy of the Old Testament, their longing only deepened.
At last, the wait ended—the Angel Gabriel appeared in Nazareth to a virgin named Mary, declaring: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus – Luke 1:30-31.”
This was the announcement of all announcements—the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 7:14), the dawn of salvation, and the beginning of God's redemptive plan in human form.
Mary was an unlikely choice—a young, betrothed virgin in an obscure town. Yet, God’s plans do not depend on human status but on divine purpose. Just as He chose Bethlehem, a small and insignificant town, to birth the ruler of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), He chose Mary to carry the Savior of the world. Her response—"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38)—teaches us the power of faith, surrender, and obedience in fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.
Dearly beloved in Christ, during the Lenten season, know for a certainty that God’s plans are precise and perfect. The announcement of Jesus’ birth was not just history—it was destiny fulfilled.
This same God who orchestrated every detail of the Messiah’s coming is in control of your life. His plans for you are good, and He calls you to faith in Him, to surrender, and to walk in obedience. Let this season remind you that the same Jesus announced to Mary is alive today, still transforming lives and calling us into His divine purpose. Amen.
FURTHER READING – Luke 1:26-38
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God’s divine plan?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, just as Mary surrendered to Your will, help me to trust Your perfect plan for my life. May I embrace Your calling with faith, knowing that Your purposes are always good. Let my life reflect the glory of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Numbers 16-17; Psalm 76; John 7
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