I Agree WIth You!

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam reminded us of the response of Mary to Gabriel's message.

Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.” So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-35,37-38)

When given the chance to participate in God's project, Mary said" yes". Moreover, she said yes from a heart of understanding. It is a powerful lesson for us to consider today.

What can we give to God when He visits us?

Honesty. Mary did not understand how she could possibly be a participant in God's project. After all, the prospect of having a child defied logic, reason, and biology. But rather than telling the angel "That's impossible!", she shared her perspective and asked him to clarify his message. She was neither afraid nor embarassed to state that she was unable to see how God's project would come to pass.

Honor. After Gabriel helped her to understand that God was going to perform a miracle in her, Mary gave a wonderfully mature response: "I am a servant of the Lord." For Mary, her status as a servant of God meant that His agenda was to be followed. A key characteristic of a true servant is that they honor their master. What the master says, the servant does.

Happiness. Although Mary's participation in God's project would cause her to experience profound personal challenges, her response was to sing praises to God (Luke 1:46-55). Like Hannah of ancient Israel, Mary raised a song that spoke of the mighty power of God to do wonders and to establish His kingdom in the earth. Her song had no tinge of fear or embarassment. Her joy overshadowed and subsumed any concerns for her personal well-being or reputation.

When God sends His word to you, how do you respond?

"Well God, wait until my kids finish school, then I'll do what You say."
"God, I can't work with him- people will think something's going on."
"Lord, we don't know anyone in that city. How can we leave our family and friends?"
"But I can't resign. I need the money."

Yes.
I am a servant of the Lord.
Let this happen to me according to Your word.
Amen.