How can this Be?

Read Luke 1.

Luke was a medical physician of his day and traveled with the Apostle Paul.  There came a time when the Holy Spirit moved upon him to write down what he knew to be true concerning Jesus and then the early church with the book of Acts; totally, about 28% of the New Testament.  His gospel is the longest of the four by content and thematically he emphasizes the humanity of Christ.

Chapter one is power packed with miraculous events.  So much so, that twice an angel is asked, "How?" (v.18 and v.34).

1. A miracle for Luke. (vv.1-4)
Dr. Luke was not one of the twelve Apostles.  So, how was it possible for him to be able to write such authentic and reliable information?  He did his homework.  He, evidently, had read what "many" others had written.  He listened to those who were "eyewitnesses and ministers" of the time.  He "followed closely" or investigated all these things "for some time."  But overriding all his personal research and findings was the movement and superintending work of the Holy Spirit.  The miracle was not just for Luke.  It was for the world to have this record.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16)

It is only by this miraculous work of God in Luke's life that this gospel could be proclaimed "that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

2. A miracle for Zechariah. (vv.5-25 and 67-80)
This elderly, faithful, and godly couple was childless.  But God had plans for them.  While representing the nation of Israel in prayer within the Temple, an angel appeared to foretell the birth of John, the Baptist.  How is that possible (v.18)?   It was beyond belief that these two, well-past the age of a pregnancy, would have a baby.  The miracle was not just for them.  It was for the world to be prepared for the appearance of the Messiah.

The coming Messiah had been on Zechariah's heart and in his prayers.  In the closing verses of the chapter, the old man broke out in a song of praise for answered prayer.  Their child "will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of sins..."(vv.76-77)

3. A miracle for Mary. (vv.26-66)
All we know to this point is her family lineage, her virginity, and her engagement to be married.  But God had plans for her.  Gabriel appeared to announce the birth of the Son of God (not Joseph's), one who would sit on the royal throne of his human ascendant David.  How could such a virgin birth ever happen (v.34)?  God chose to use this chaste, young woman for a miracle.  It was not just about her.  It was for the entire world to have a Savior.

Indeed, in her song she acknowledged her own need for forgiveness of sin.  "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior" (vv.46-47).  She knew the promises from the Old Testament.  "He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (vv.54-55)

How does the miraculous happen?  It is beyond human explanation.  The angel Gabriel provided the answer.  "For nothing will be impossible with God." (v.37)