Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 NABRE
The quoted verse is probably the greatest words said by any human to God. Mary, a young devout girl, just a teen, met by the Angel Gabriel is asked to be the mother of Jesus. The angel says, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) The angel tells her, He will be the Son of the Most High, God. Mary wonders how it will happen and then agrees unconditionally. It is unlikely she fully understood how much her life would be changed, though she surely would have known that her future was in jeopardy. The laws were strict for women who are pregnant by someone other than their husband. At the time Joseph was Mary “betrothed,” a type of formal marriage arrangement that includes a one year waiting before moving into your husband’s home. By law Joseph was required to have her shunned in the community and stoned to death. This she would have known. Her trust in God is remarkable. She must have felt like she was sacrificing her life for the good of God’s work. She might have been aware of the stories of the Messiah and perhaps put it together that her son, God’s Son would be that Messiah, but this is not indicated in the scriptures.
We hear years later Mary was conceived specially, she is received into heaven a special way, and she was full of grace. These attributes are not in scripture and come from tradition. Yet, they do not eclipse the few small words of this young girl. Her response had to bring immense joy to God. We don’t know why God chose her, certainly God could have chosen any mother. That He shares his Son with humanity is exceptional.
What do you say to God when He asks? How much of your life do you sacrifice?
Mary, a young devout girl, just a teen, met by the Angel Gabriel is asked to be the mother of Jesus. Her word of unconditional acceptance have to be the greatest words said by any human to God. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #fiat #yes #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways