PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 1:34-38
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.'” (Luke 1:38)
Was God asking Mary to do this job, or was Mary being ‘voluntold’?
My sense is that God had already chosen Mary for this job, it was not a job offer.
But then since it was God’s will, did Mary have a choice?
Yes, Mary had a choice to be a willing or unwilling partner in God’s plan.
In these words we hear Mary willingly surrendering to God’s plan for her, and the world.
None of us chose to be born, or to be born under the circumstances of our lives.
We have all received assignments like Mary, and can choose to be willing or unwilling.
The question is, will I trust that God’s purpose for me, even if hard, is for the good?
And will I offer myself to God’s purpose, or will I resist, or live for my own purpose?
Jesus’s assignment included the cross, and Jesus asked if there might be another way.
But in the end, like Mary, Jesus surrendered to God’s will, and saved the world.
God has gifted, equipped and assigned us for a salvation purpose in the world too.
I can offer myself, my life and gifts to God by saying “I am the Lord’s servant!”
How will God want to use me this year… and will I be a willing servant?
PRAYER
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. Reminds me of the young boy Samuel who answered God’s call by saying “Speak, for your servant is listening” and the disciples answering Jesus call to follow Him. So I too must follow – not just because I must because I want to. Mary, Samuel and the disciples – followed the call and so shall I. Let the spirit lead me and guide me in the way that this servant is to go. Help me not to be reluctant (like a Jonah) but help me to be willing to go. Maybe my call is not as dramatic or obvious – yet the Spirit convinces me and so I go. Help me, Lord to overcome any hesitancy!
Lord thank you for the call and response method of your promises and commands. Thank you for reminding me that you keep your promises and my response required is “I am the Lord’s servant”.
How do I respond to God’s Word?
Mary responded with willingness, obedience and trust. I must do the same and that is only possible by His grace. Going His Way or my way? God needs to be central for my will in living in His SonShine each and every day.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs;
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.