T-14: Obedient Acceptance

Having demonstrated to Mary that God was able to conceive his Son within her, having shown that her assumptions of what could and could not be done do not apply to God, Mary accepts her charge with dignity and grace.

Consider our text today;
Luke 1:38 (NIV)
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
[1]

As illustrated by her reply, Mary knew who she was. There was no misconception on her part as to her primary role. She simply observes that “I am the Lord’s servant.” The concept of servanthood meant that her understanding was not required nor was her approval. As a servant, when the master speaks, the matter is concluded. So it was in this exchange. The master (God) had spoken through his messenger Gabriel and as a servant, Mary knew that no amount of argument, debate or discussion would change that. Instead she embraces her servanthood and reassures herself of this by her statement.

Further, Mary being a girl that seeks God’s will, reveals her acceptance of her assignment when she ‘prays’ “May it be to me as you have said.” What a positive attitude and statement of faith. No argument, no lamentation, no sense of resolution but rather a forceful statement of her desire that God’s will be done in her life. It is more than a statement of desire like “I hope it does happen” or a fatalistic acceptance like “Whatever you want.” Her reply was much more positive and reveals her absolute expectation that the prophesy would be fulfilled.

Finally, having fulfilled his task by delivering the message, the angel Gabriel departs.

From her example, I see how I am to receive revelations from God; with grace, amazement, awe and most of all obedient acceptance. By faith, my acceptance must be expectant otherwise, my prayers are prayed in vain. Further, knowing what God has planned for my life I must embrace the opportunities whether my plans are in concert with His or not. “May it be to me as God has planned.”

Warm Regards,
Carl 'Chief Running Water' Schultz
[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.