Luke 1:38
The first post in a verse of the week miniseries for Christmas
We often look at the Christmas Story as just that: a story. But how often do we take it as we take the rest of Scripture: something we should apply in our own lives? In this short verse of the week miniseries, I hope to help y’all look at the Christmas Story in that light, instead of looking at it as “just a story.” I will write my verse of the week posts specifically looking at what the lessons are for us in these well known verses. So, without further ado, let’s start the series!
And Mary said, “Behold, the slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
— Luke 1:38 LSB1
Honest question: Would you be as submissive to the Lord as Mary? No wait . . . are you as submissive to the Lord as Mary was?
If most of us today were to honestly answer that question, the answer would be no.
What God called Mary to do — to conceive and bear the Messiah as a virgin — was not only impossible by human standards, but also was dangerous. She was a virgin who was betrothed, which meant her fiancé, Joseph, not only had the right to divorce her, but also the right to have her stoned!2 By submitting to the Lord, Mary was willingly putting herself in a place where she could lose her life!
So let me ask you now: are you willing to be the slave of the Lord like Mary was?
He has called you to be one, but are you going to except Him as your Master?
And once you have, are you willing to act like He is your Master, no matter the cost?
Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord,
In our day and age, we often overlook the issues Mary would have faced as the virgin mother of the Messiah, yet our overlooking this fact does not change the fact that what You called her to do was incredible, impossible, and dangerous. Lord, if we were put in Mary’s shoes, what would our answer be? I am afraid many of us would not be willing like she was. I pray, Lord, that You would mold our hearts to be humble and obedient to You. Help us, Lord! Make us willing to say with Mary, “Behold the slave of the Lord!” For Lord, how could we be anything else? Let our lives be ones of service to You.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen
Legacy Standard Bible
Of course I'd love to say I would be as obedient and submissive as Mary, but in all honesty, I'd be terrified. Knowing the culture and customs back then, oof! She is quite the inspiration though. Just a teenager willing to risk death or exile for the Lord! Her behavior is definitely something to strive for as women.