Luke 1:34-38

1. Let us mark the reverent and discreet manner in which the angel Gabriel speaks of the great mystery of Christ's incarnation.
2. Let us mark the prominent place assigned to the Holy Spirit in the great mystery of the incarnation.
3. Let us mark the mighty principle which the angel Gabriel lays down to silence all objections about the incarnation.
4. Let us mark the meek and ready acquiescence of the Virgin Mary in God's revealed will concerning her.

"In a religion which really comes down from heaven there must be mysteries. Of such mysteries in Christianity, the incarnation is one."

"Let us remember, that all that believers have, and are, and enjoy under the Gospel, they owe to the inward teaching of the Holy Spirit."

"Faith never rests so calmly and peacefully as when it lays its head on the pillow of God's omnipotence."

"Let us be willing to go anywhere, and do anything, and be anything, whatever be the present and immediate inconvenience, so long as God's will is clear and the path of duty is plain."

Questions:

1. Are we content in mystery, or do we feel we must go further? Are we surprised that the Scriptures, being the very thoughts and wisdom from God, would have thoughts that wouldn’t make sense to us?

2. If we believe the gospel and love God, it is a result of the work of the Spirit. Do we worship the Spirit for the work the Bible reveals He does?

3. When doubts arise and our faith feels weak, do we, as Ryle says, “find calm and peace when we lay our heads on the pillow of God’s omnipotence?” That nothing is impossible for God if it is according to His will?

4. Are we ready and eager to respond like Mary to God’s revealed will or do we tend to question and divert? Would we pray that God would give us faith like Mary?