The Son of God
Key Bible Passage:
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:35-38)
Reflect:
Today we see Mary show a heart quick to trust God even amid the unknown. Mary has an attitude ready to work with God’s plan, whereas I often want him to work with my plan.
As women associated with military service, we’re familiar with the concept of servant leadership, a popular philosophy in leadership circles. Servant leadership implies using one’s talents to enrich and build up others rather than selfishly pursuing personal success. Jesus is the best model of sacrificial service, giving his life on the cross so that we may live. Today, we’re looking at Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel through the lens of servanthood.
Mary–probably a teen–accepted the angel’s message, knowing it might cost her engagement to Joseph and bring public shame to her family. Can’t you just hear the neighbors asking, “Pregnant by the Holy Spirit, you say?”
It takes confidence in God to stand up to scrutiny.
Psalm 14 says this: “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence” (v. 26).
Holding nothing back, Mary proclaims herself as the Lord’s servant and trusts life to happen according to God’s word. In doing so, she abandoned selfish pursuits and allowed God to use her. Do I think of myself as the Lord’s servant? Do I trust life–even surprises and hardships–to happen according to his word? Let’s purpose to be the Lord’s servants, no matter what!
Respond:
- Today, count the number of people you can serve quietly and unselfishly.
