I love Mary and one day I will meet her.
Right now she is with Jesus, her earthly Son – the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world – what a story.
Mary’s resolved willingness to obey the angel’s announcement in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2 is so admirable. I enjoy reading the details.
During her visitation by the angel, you don’t read these common responses: “you can’t mean me? Are you sure there isn’t someone else? Have you talked to Joseph? My parents? I don’t think I could handle the looks, the shame, and the disbelief of my peers. How could I explain the baby within me is God’s son? I don’t think I could do what you’re asking. It’s too much”.
No, sweet Mary didn’t say any of those statements, questions we may have asked if given the same assignment. Her humble surrender to fulfill this unprecedented plan is remarkable. I marvel at her readiness to obey.
“Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said”. Luke 1:28
That’s it.
She didn’t ask any other details. Nor did she ask the angel to give her a plan as to how to raise the Son of God or explain other mysteries.
She simply said, “may it be to me as you have said”.
There is always sweet relief in silent surrender.
Dear reader, perhaps you are disappointed in how 2016 has gone. There were no manuals for the unexpected challenges that arose.
Allow me to encourage you today, the past is ancient history. Look forward to tomorrow! Everything you need for 2017 is found in the baby Jesus – who came to literally “save us”.
Like Mary, trust in God today and let Him look after all your tomorrows.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this”. Isaiah 9:6,7 (NIV)
Today’s Prayer:
“Sweet Saviour of mine, thank you for coming to earth as a baby. In 2017, would you be my Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace? I surrender everything to You”.