Wednesday, December 8, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 46-48 and Hebrews 7
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 46-48 and Hebrews 7
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:38 (NIV); “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:38 (NIV); “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
These were the words of a young girl saying “yes” to her God. It is a sharp contrast to Zechariah – a priest’s – response to Gabriel’s message. The words of the Lord were no doubt troubling to her – a young girl being told that the Spirit of God would literally indwell her womb! Imagine the fear of rejection by her betrothed, ridicule of a community and shame of a family. The serene Mary of portrayal paintings cannot be realistic, for none could capture the true goings on in Mary’s heart. What would become of her? And yet there was a quiet resolute and a seed of faith which allowed her to say these words.
If Mary could speak these words in the light of such absurdity – a virgin birth – how can we do anything less? The Christmas story quickly becomes a run-of-the-mill string of events to us who hear it year after year, but it is wise to stop and consider the remarkable happenings! A virgin birth; God Himself entering into the body of a woman to go through the birth process! As illogical as this seemed it was, in fact, the only logical way for God to save mankind from the throes of sin and death. God was surely doing the impossible and this submissive young girl was His vessel. She said yes in the face of what the world would call absurd.
If only we were as submissive to the callings of God and the promptings of the Spirit as this girl!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on Mary’s words in terms of the Christmas story. Why are they relevant and how do they impact you?
2. What does it mean to be the Lord’s servant? How can you do this even when you don’t feel a particular calling on your life?
3. What is the Lord asking of you today? How does He want complete servitude from you? Consider your role in your family, school/work, relationships, etc. Ask Him to speak specifically about this.
4. In response to the words you have received, read Mary’s words a number of times as a prayer – “Lord, I am Your servant. What You have asked of me, I will do.”
5. How can you be a servant to other this season?
