How sweet to read this week of advent posts! I'm so thankful Christmas is more than giving or getting the "right gift". More than pretty lights on houses and yes, even more than spending time with loved ones. My sisters have done a great job writing out their thoughts on advent. What has struck me this year is how many of us can relate to Mary for different reasons. I was discussing her situation with some friends recently. We realized how much Mary had to let go of control. She didn't get to choose when to have a child or even pick her baby's name. Isn't that something we love? Being in control. Maybe that's why it's so hard to obey God at times.
Mary was just a teenager (so young!) when she was told she would a have a baby who would be the "Son of the Most High". Wouldn't you have been a bit intimidated? But Mary's response is striking. She could have asked, "Why me?" She could have made excuses. She could have grown prideful (as I'm sure I would have). But she simply asks how this is possible since she is a virgin (fair question, right?). She then says, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.”
"I am the Lord's servant." Her reply is simple and we have much to learn from it. What a beautiful example of humble obedience.
She doesn't fight the plan as if she can't do it. She doesn't say, "Of course God chose me. I'm perfect for this role." She simply obeys out of a humble heart. Not because she wasn't scared. She must have understood God is good and He would provide for her if He called her. She must have actually
trusted God.
What would it mean for us to let go of control and obey God humbly? Let's ask God today for the gift of humble obedience in whatever He calls us to whether the call comes this week or years from now. I can only imagine how that might impact the broken world around us that needs to be pointed to Jesus our loving Savior. Jesus who humbly obeyed and came to earth as a baby, to live the sinless life we cannot live, and to die the death we deserve. In doing this He brought us real life. Better than gifts and lights and anything this world could ever offer us.
I pray you are blessed by knowing Jesus more this Christmas season.
"I am the Lord's servant." Her reply is simple and we have much to learn from it. What a beautiful example of humble obedience. She doesn't fight the plan as if she can't do it. She doesn't say, "Of course God chose me. I'm perfect for this role." She simply obeys out of a humble heart. Not because she wasn't scared. She must have understood God is good and He would provide for her if He called her. She must have actually trusted God.