"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38 NIV)
Mary spoke these words the day God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth. This was Mary's surrender, but not her first thought. Following the angel's greeting, Mary "was greatly troubled at his words." Then the angel delivered the unbelievable news. Mary was going to have a baby. "How will this be," Mary questioned, "since I am a virgin?" Gabriel's explanation was as mysterious as his presence, but his last words nailed the reality of the situation: "For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," is Mary's statement of surrender. She was the first person to accept Jesus on his terms. Her engagement with Joseph, the man she loved, would be in jeopardy. Those closest to her would not understand her pregnancy. The small town would be filled with rumors. Despite this, she trusted God and surrendered to his plan.
Many believe that they can draw up the terms of their relationship with Jesus, but that's not how it works with the Lord. Everyone who truly wants to follow hard after Jesus must come to a place of surrender. Like Mary, we must say, "Lord, I am your servant. Use me as your instrument in any way you desire."
Lord Jesus, we confess that the place of surrender is difficult, but we desire to be your servants. We surrender ourselves to you. Use us to carry out your plan in our lives. In your name. Amen.
The Holy Holidays - goTandem"Grace and Kindness"
Everyone has sinned; we all fall short... Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous...through Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24)
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