It was then Mary's turn. Again angel Gabriel was sent to her to announce the good news.
Quite a number of people have written about it already - that to Mary at that time, this 'good news' may not be that good at all! I guess being a Chinese, we can imagine that situation quite well. Both Chinese and Jewish society were very tough with things like this - a pregnant, unmarried young girl. Chinese would drown her in a 'pig cage', Jews would stone her to death.
But Mary's reply was such a trusting, obedient one. Yes she did ask how it would happen - but note that it's a different question from Zachariah's question: hers was a genuine question of how it would happen, while Zachariah's was a question of unbelief, asking for sign or proof.
May be it's because of Mary's young age? (From some other source, not sure if reliable though, I learned that Mary was actually very young when it happened - just a teenage girl, 12, 13 or 14?) That as we grow older, more and more we trust our own experience of this world, rather than trusting God in a pure and simple heart, like Mary, like children around us. I guess that's why Jesus also asks us to become like children, too.
And in the Bible it was said that Mary went to visit Elizabeth. In The Message, it was said 'Mary didn't waste a minute.' and in NIV, 'Mary got ready and hurried to...Elizabeth.' The Bible didn't mention what happened after Gabriel's visit and before Mary went to visit Elizabeth. I wonder if anything happened then, or if she really went straight to Elizabeth's. I would not be surprised if she just went, not even telling her parents or friends of the angel's visit. Who would have believed me, except for the one who also experienced a miracle just before?
From this I really see a practical, caring, and thoughtful God. Not only He loves the world and has determined to save it, He also loves Mary and took care of her at the same time. It would be so tough for Mary to bear a child unmarried! So in advance, God has already prepared Zachariah and Elizabeth so they can take care of her and stand by her. Remember, both Zachariah and Elizabeth are of old age and are righteous before God. They should be well respected in the family, with their seniority and reputation. Without their help and support, Mary's life would only get tougher.
It's only the second day I embark on this journey in getting to know Jesus better. It's great that not only I get to know Him better, but also, seeing how He and God are one...the same loving God.
Can't wait to start reading the next section...
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