Embracing the True Nature of God:
A Reflection on Mary’s Encounter with Angel Gabriel
Challenging the Common Perception of God
As a religious leader, I often find myself questioning the common perception of God. Many people tend to view Him as grumpy and easily angered. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When God revealed Himself to the people in the book of Exodus, He described Himself as a God of compassion, slow to anger, full of faithful love and mercy. This is the God I know and love, and it’s this image of Him that I want to share with you today.
God’s Desire for Personal Relationships
One of the most profound aspects of God’s nature is His desire to be in a personal relationship with His people. He yearns to build a community with us, to be a part of our lives in a meaningful and intimate way. We, as humans, are meant to be the image bearers of God. This means that others should be able to see God through the way we live and interact with others. Our actions, our words, our love for one another – these are all reflections of God’s presence in our lives.
The Story of David and God’s Kingdom
This concept of a personal relationship with God is beautifully illustrated in the story of David wanting to build a temple for God. However, God had a different plan. He wanted to build a kingdom within David. This story highlights that it’s not about grand gestures or physical structures, but about the personal relationship with God, just like the relationship Adam and Eve had with Him.
Mary’s Encounter with the Angel Gabriel
Transitioning to the story of Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, we see another example of this personal relationship with God. Mary’s openness and faithfulness to God truly set her apart. Despite not doing anything extraordinary, Mary’s willingness to serve the Lord and her familiarity with the scriptures allowed her to respond to God’s call with grace and humility.
Mary’s story is a testament to the power of a personal relationship with God. Her willingness to serve, her faithfulness, and her deep knowledge of the scriptures all contributed to her ability to respond to God’s call. She didn’t need to do anything extraordinary – she simply needed to be open and willing to serve God.
In conclusion, the true nature of God is one of compassion, love, and a deep desire for a personal relationship with His people. Whether it’s through the story of David or Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, we see that God values our willingness to serve Him and our openness to His call. Let us strive to be like Mary, open and faithful, ready to serve God in all that we do.