Luke 1:26-38 – “Yes!”

I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said. (Luke 1:38, CEB)

I can’t imagine any surprise larger or harder to accept than when the angel Gabriel came to Mary. Mary was going to have a baby, and not just any baby – the long-expected Messiah Who would save her people. Now “expecting” took on a whole new meaning!

And, what did Mary say? She said, “Yes.”

Can you imagine being in Mary’s place? Gabriel told her to not be afraid, but if that was you, wouldn’t you be afraid? Could you respond at all?

Mary was going to have a baby who was the Son of God! Her response was exactly as her heart reflected before this moment. She was utterly and totally the Lord’s servant. Whatever God asked of her would be exactly what she’d do.

Whatever it seems God is asking of each of us…oh, that we would always say to God, “Yes – just as you have said.”

Holy God, I cannot find words rich enough to thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to be my hope for salvation. It is a great teaching for me, that You chose Jesus’ mother to be a person surrendered to Your will. Today, I ask You to help me keep a heart fervently after Your will for my life. Amen.

– Pastor Karla Shafer, Bethel United Methodist Church