“The Lord is with you”

Luke 1:26-38

For David

• 2 Sam 7:3 Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.“

David – The Lord is with you

• It was a fact of life, real, close. – 2 Sam 7:9 I have been with you wherever you

have gone– 2 Sam 7:8 God took him from the pasture and

from following the flock to be ruler; cut off all enemy

– 2 Sam 7:2 Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.

David – The Lord is with you

• Yet David was rebuked– 2 Sam 7:5 … Are you the one to build me a house

to dwell in?– 2 Sam 7:7 did I ever say to any … "Why have you

not built me a house of cedar?"– 2 Sam 7:3 … Whatever you have in mind, go ahead

and do it, for the LORD is with you."

David – The Lord is with you

• God’s dwelling has a purpose – NOT the end of God’s work … settled & rest

• 2 Sam 7:15-16 The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' "

– To continue and firmly established• Roman 16:25Now to him who is able to establish you by my

gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ– The work goes on

• Roman 16:26 … so that all nations might believe and obey him

For Mary

• Luke 1:28 … Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.

Mary – The Lord is with you

• It was strange: disturbing, plain scary and doubtful– Luke 1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words

and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

– Luke 1:30 … the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid …

– Luke 1: 34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

Mary – The Lord is with you

• Yet God found favour in Mary– Luke 1:28 … "Greetings, you who are highly

favored! The Lord is with you." – Luke 1:30 … Do not be afraid, Mary, you have

found favor with God …– Luk2 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary

answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

• God’s dwelling has a purpose

Mary – The Lord is with you

• Would it be possible? – NEVER ending question

• Luke 1:34 How will this be?– The answer still is

• Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God." • Luke 1:35 … The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the

power of the Most High will overshadow you. – The eternal question is “Who?”

• Luk2 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

• Obedience OR faith