the heart of Mary...

Yesterday I posted the Bible passage in Luke (1:26-38) where the angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her that she was going to become pregnant by God, and though a virgin, would give birth to a child... the Messiah, actually. Wow. Talk about a conversation that would wake you right up!

Here was Mary, a young girl (12 or 13 is my understanding). She was engaged to be married. And all of a sudden, an angel drops in for a visit! (That alone would probably be enough to send most of us running!) Not just any angel, but one of the 'big guys'-- Gabriel. And he tells Mary that God is pleased with her and that she will be the one through whom God's son, the Messiah, will be born. In other words, she's going to be pregnant. And not by her husband-to-be. The angel also tells her the child will be great--a King--and His kingdom will never end.

Now, I don't know about you, but I would have a whole long list of questions about all of this! I would want the details and would be trying to figure out how God would be protecting my reputation and my betrothal and ....and... and... so very many more questions. Yet, all Mary asks is: "How will this be since I am a virgin?" One simple, practical question is all she asks.

Gabriel gives her a one-line answer.... and she seems to be content with that. Once again, I'm sure I would be asking for all the specifics! And probably playing 'Devil's Advocate' to every answer... figuring out how it wouldn't work, and...and...and...??

But Mary... her response is simple. And beautiful. She says only: "I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me as you have said." Wow. That is amazing to me. Simply amazing.

Even Moses, mighty leader of God's people and friend of God, questioned God and made excuses when God called upon him: I'm not good at public speaking. No one will listen to me. What if...??? (Exodus 3)

Even Gideon, mighty warrior of God, asked many questions and requested signs to show that what he was being asked to do was truly from God: How can I save Israel as I am the weakest of my family which is the weakest of my clan? If I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. (Judges 6)

And then there is me-- who must have answers before stepping out in faith... who questions every little word and wants to know all the details beforehand...

But not Mary. Her answer was simple. Her answer was an unequivocable "yes, Lord." She acknowledges who she is and Who God is by her words: "I am the Lord's servant." She acknowledges that, because of her relationship with God, she will do His bidding without questioning, without arguing, without excuses.

And her words of acquiescence to His will: "may it be to me as you have said." Her response was one of complete obedience out of reverance for Who God is and who she is in Him. I'm sure she was afraid. And I'm sure she had questions. But Her heart was toward God completely, and she places her everything--her life, her reputation, her betrothal, her future--in His hands. Immediately. Completely. Whole-heartedly.

Now, that's trust. That's complete confidence in God. And that's the example I want to follow in my relationship with Him. Each day, each moment, may my heart be ever toward God, and may my words and my actions reflect this. May I say, as Mary did...

"I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me as You have said."