Most of us like to be favored by the Lord. In the town of Nazareth, Archangel Gabriel visited Mary to give her the news that God had chosen her to be the bearer of the Messiah through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit as she was the favored one. (Luke 1:28) The life of the favored one was not a bed of roses but a rollercoaster ride.
1) Danger of Divorce: Mary was betrothed to Joseph to be married. According to Jewish customs, it was as binding as marriage. “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19) She could have been stoned to death too.
2) Long walk: As Caesar Augustus commanded all citizens to go to their native place to register; Joseph and Mary had to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Certainly, Mary was not carried by slaves in palanquins like royals. The distance is about 100 miles, uphill, and downhill. They could have traveled just 10 to 20 miles a day as Mary was pregnant and ready to deliver the child. (Luke 2:1)
3) Refugee: Paranoid Herod, knowing the King of Jews was born in Bethlehem through the wise men from the East, wanted to kill Lord Jesus. Mary and Joseph carrying the infant Lord Jesus had to escape to Egypt. (Matthew 2:13-23) It is believed that they stayed as refugees for about six years.
4) Widow: After Lord Jesus was twelve years old and their visit to Jerusalem, it is believed Joseph died. Lord Jesus had to take care of the family until he was thirty, helping younger siblings.
5) Violent death of son: Watching the death of Lord Jesus as a mother would have been the greatest tragedy endured by any woman in the world. She was helpless when Lord Jesus had to endure a violent death at the hands of evil men. (John 19:25-27)
The favor of the Lord is for those who are steadfast in their faith and commitment amid immense tribulation and trials.
Will I choose to be His favored person?