“Behold, the bondslave of the Lord;
may it be done to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38
Can you sense the excitement? It was a small town with a population of around 400 people, and everyone knew everyone. Nothing went unnoticed, and there was a buzz of excitement with the new engagement. Plans and preparations for the upcoming wedding would be a “town-wide” event. The townspeople were thrilled for the new couple and their obvious love for each other.
The engaged couple both served the Lord, and it was apparent in their lives. Let’s sneak into Nazareth today and check out the bride-to-be.
Mary was a very reflective person (Luke 1:29; 2:19). In our day, she would be considered young. Very young. But back then, it was not uncommon for someone to marry at the age of 14 or 15. So the community standards for a younger couple would not be a shock.
But in the flash of a moment, the trajectory of her life changed forever.
Plans often change when God’s in it
The angel Gabriel visited Mary and assured her not to fear. I don’t know about you, but fear shows up at my house if an angel shows up at my house. Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive, have a Son, and name Him Jesus. Boom! Everything changes. Plans change. Gabriel didn’t ask Mary’s opinion, and he didn’t ask if she were willing. This brief conversation is the interesting thing about the story, in my opinion. No options.
Of course, Mary had questions about how it would happen, but it didn’t change the fact that it WOULD happen. At this point, Mary could have worried about so many things. What would people think? What would her parents think? What would her best friend think? WHAT WOULD HER FUTURE HUSBAND, JOSEPH, THINK?
Plans happen when God’s in it
Gabriel assured Mary with 7 of the most resonating words found in Scripture. People use these words to encourage people who experience difficulty, pain, and suffering.
“For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Many people claim this verse to be something magical in their lives. Gabriel was telling Mary that when God plans something, He will provide for those plans. Does this mean God heals every person of cancer or some lifelong illness? No.
It does mean that we cannot confine God to a man-made box where we restrict Him and limit His authority and power. His plans become her plans.
Mary embraced God’s plans
God chose Mary to be the mother of our Lord. Her reaction is a priceless reminder of her unwavering love for God and her firm faith in His purpose. She responded as we all should respond to God’s specific call in our lives.
“Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). No indifference, indecisiveness, and no hesitation.
How would you respond?