Every young Jewish virgin woman, schooled in the Torah and the books of the Holy Prophets, held the expectation or desire to be chosen to carry the seed that would crush the enemy.
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a humble virgin named Mary and delivered the good news that she was chosen among women to be the mother of our Lord. What glorious news!
Our discussion begins with the manner of Gabriel's salutation in the book of Luke:
"And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." — Luke 1:28
Among other affirmations, Gabriel proclaimed Mary as "highly favoured." The Greek term translated as "highly favoured" is charitoo, which signifies:
- Grace endowed with special honor, making one accepted and highly favoured.
- That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness.
- Goodwill, loving-kindness, and favour.
It was not mere favour Mary received; she was highly favoured. Remarkably, this term appears only twice in Scripture: concerning Mary (Luke 1:28) and the Church (Ephesians 1:6).
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." — Ephesians 1:6
The Beloved refers to Christ Himself:
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." — Matthew 3:16-17
We, as believers, are accepted in the manner that Christ Jesus was declared the Son of God with power. Today, we can boldly declare and know assuredly that the heavens are now opened unto us to hear our Lord directly and clearly. The Spirit of the Living God dwells within us, and we are identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Our Lord Jesus prayed:
"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." — John 17:24
This prayer has been fulfilled through Christ’s resurrection, enabling us to confidently affirm:
- We are a gift to Jesus Christ.
- We dwell in and with Christ; for "in Him we live and move and have our being."
- We behold His glory.
- Jesus was loved before the world's foundation, and so are we.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." — Ephesians 1:4
Divine Lesson
Beloved brethren, from these Scriptures, let us assuredly know that we are "accepted in the Beloved" and "highly favoured." Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost; similarly, we dwell under the shadow of the Almighty and in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91).
Mary was promised in Luke 1:31 that she would conceive and bear a son named JESUS. In parallel, the Apostle Paul labored in prayers for the Church:
"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." — Galatians 4:19
We are highly favoured with a secret-place relationship with the Father, and Christ Himself is being fully formed within us. Let us believe and act upon these Scriptures today, just as Mary faithfully responded:
"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." — Luke 1:38
Let us pray likewise:
"Father, let it be unto me according to Thy Word, in Jesus' name."
Declare boldly:
"I am highly favoured of the Lord, accepted in the Beloved to do all the will of the Father in Jesus Christ’s name."
Reflect upon these affirmations from Scripture concerning your beloved status through Christ:
"[O] brethren beloved by God, we recognize and know that He has selected (chosen) you." — 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (AMPC)
"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." — 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV)
"For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." — 2 Peter 1:17
These Scriptures point toward the immortality Christ Jesus attained during His transfiguration on the mount, marking the high calling of God we share in Him.
We have been accepted into this powerful spiritual estate to which Christ was exalted (Philippians 2:9):
"Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ." — Romans 1:3-6
Affirm your identity:
"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." — Song of Solomon 7:10
"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies." — Song of Solomon 6:3
Consider the reassurance Daniel received:
"At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision." — Daniel 9:23
And the glorious union promised by Christ:
"At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you." — John 14:20
What a privilege to be "accepted in the Beloved"! May our hearts comprehend the vast love of the Father toward us, so we may live accordingly.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in Jesus’ name.