Luke 1:26-38
This well-known passage of scripture tells how the angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman in an obscure little town in Galilee to announce some earth-shattering news. God had chosen her to give birth to, and to raise His Son, the Messiah – the One for whom the nation of Israel had been waiting for centuries.
Much has been made over the years of the honour God showed to Mary in choosing her for the incredible privilege of bearing His Son. The angel addressed her as, “highly favoured one” and Mary herself would later say: Luke 1:46-48 (NKJV) “My soul magnifies the Lord, [47] And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. [48] For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.”
Nevertheless, the choice to accept what God was offering her was far from straightforward. For one thing, what the angel was saying sounded utterly unbelievable. How could a virgin have a baby, let alone a baby fathered by God Himself? Why would he choose an ordinary woman such as she? No one was likely to believe it if she told them. It all seemed very far-fetched.
And what if it was true? Mary had her life planned out. She was betrothed to Joseph. They were expecting to get married soon and have a family together. She had a recognised place in her community as a good daughter, living a godly life and following the expected pattern. This announcement threw all of that into question. Joseph would almost certainly break off the betrothal and her friends and family would assume that she had slept with someone outside of marriage and would be deeply ashamed of her. She faced a future as an outcast, single mother who would be dependant on charity to keep herself and her child fed and clothed.
Yet, in spite of all that Mary said “yes” to the assignment God was giving her. “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word,” (v.38). She humbly accepted God’s plan for her life and trusted Him with what she could not see or understand. Her heart was submitted to the Lord and her “yes” opened up the way for Him to accomplish His rescue plan for the Earth.
You see, when God made this world He put it into the hands of humankind (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm115:16). He has given us the responsibility and authority to rule the Earth, which means that in order to perform His will on the earth He has to find a person who is willing to be a channel for Him to work through. For that reason it is rarely the most obvious candidates – the rich, the intelligent and the powerful – who do His kingdom work. Those who accomplish the most for Him are the people who are willing to be His hands, His feet, His mouthpiece, even when they do not understand what He is doing or why, and even when it causes disruption to their life.
God has work for each one of us to do to enable Him to bring His kingdom on the Earth. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” You may not think that you are much use to Him. Maybe you see nothing in your life that He could use? Or maybe you feel that you would lose too much if you let go and let Him take the driving seat of your life? Being available to God will not guarantee you worldly rewards such as money, status and comfort but it will be the most satisfying life you can possibly live, as you play your part in reconciling people to their Creator through Christ Jesus and see their lives transformed.
Will you say “yes” to Him?
Prayer
Lord, I recognise that you are calling me to say “yes” to your plan for my life. I thank you that you are utterly trustworthy and want only the best for me. So help me, I pray, to let go of anything that holds me back from surrendering my life into your hands. I give you permission to work through me to accomplish the kingdom work you planned in advance for me to do.
Amen.
All references are from the NKJV unless specified otherwise.
Jill Partis
bearing-kingdom-fruit.com
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