Who Are We Serving?

N.T.#475 "Who Are We Serving?"

Jan. 29, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 10

How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (verse 34)

LET IT GLOW

We have choices we can make while living in this world-our career, location, family, etc. We also have a choice of living for God and following His will for our life or living for ourself. Which will you choose today? Which did Mary choose? 

After hearing was God's will for her life, Mary had a legitimate question, a right to ask it. She had not had a relation with a man (including Joseph). So Mary was wondering how this was going to happen without a man. A simple question, but needful one. The Holy Spirit would do it. Did she know about the trinity-God the Father, the Holy Spirit, Christ the Son?

We know that God created everything out of nothing, just by speaking it into existence. He could do the same with creating Jesus inside Mary. He created out of nothing what Mary needed to conceive a child. With a miraculous creation of a baby, this one would be the Son of God. He would be free of contamination of sin, from the beginning of His life.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. (verse 37)

Mary was not bringing a sinner into the world. Jesus is holy. Anything God determines to do will be done or accomplished. God provided a substitute to pay the penalty for our sins on our behalf-Jesus Christ. This is God's grace, not that we deserve forgiveness of our sins, but that He loves us that much to die for us, in our place.

LET IT GROW

How did Mary react to all of this amazing news? 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. (verse 37)

This verse reveals Mary's submission to the will of God. 

Handmaid, in the Greek language, means  female slave (in a qualified sense of subjection). 

Mary willingly committed herself to the unconditional service of the Lord while she felt stunned, surprised, humbled, and curious. We didn't hear any hesitation Mary's part of this unique event. She had the option to not believe it was possible and to refuse to let it happen. However, that was not what Mary chose. Aren't we glad! Maybe she will tell us the details when we get to heaven.

I wonder if Mary shared this exciting news with her parents. Luke doesn't tell us. Mary had to let go of her plans and follow the will of God. Her life was changed forever. But Emanuel, God with us, was with Mary every step of the way. God did the impossible with her. What a blessing for her to hold the sweet baby Jesus in her arms later!

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of so we can follow God's will for our life?

Is your faith strong enough for God to use you in whatever way He choses? 

Are you trusting His provision?

Are you willing to sacrifice it all?

Your will,

Your way,

Today, I pray.

Work in me,

so I can be.......