Luke 1:38
Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord!
Let it be to me according to your word."
And the angel departed from her.
What an amazing encounter. The angel, Gabriel, came to Mary, revealing what seemed impossible. She was going to conceive and bring forth a Son, and His name would be called Jesus.
"Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you
have found favor with God.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth
a Son, and shall call His name Jesus." __Luke 1:30-31
I read the words of Mary to Gabriel, and marvel at her prompt response. It is obvious she loved and trusted the Lord with all her heart. Yes, Mary questioned Gabriel, not understanding, but once he explained, she believed, rejoicing in such favor. Is this why God chose Mary? Was it her complete surrender to God, her complete obedience at any cost? Was it because God knew Mary would come to Him for guidance without hesitation, trusting in His wisdom? Not only would Mary give birth to Jesus, she would parent Him to adulthood. She must be totally surrendered to Him.
Mary wasn't a person of wealth, but a lowly maidservant. Why do you suppose God chose her, instead of someone with great wealth and reputation? Could it be, just as Jesus was born in a lowly stable and placed in a manger filled with hay, instead of a palace, which He certainly deserved, God chose Mary because He wanted the world to know it is a humble and contrite heart He desires, not wealth, nor prestige.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and contrite heart
These, O God, You will not despise. __Psalm 51:17
What would it be like to live with such surrender, such trust, and belief in the Word of God? What would it be like to walk in His Word without doubting, even when what it tells us seems impossible?
"Let it be to me according to your word."
Our God can be trusted! Ask Mary.
