Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the New King James Version (NKJV).
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
Have you ever noticed how people in scripture react to a call from God? In Exodus 3:11 Moses says “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Not exactly an enthusiastic response, but one to which we can certainly relate. It is hard to think that God wants to use us for His divine purposes.
Others called by God react similarly, some out of fear, some merely disbelieving that God would ever speak to them. Mary however, responds differently. Granted, she is surprised, but instead of listing reasons why God shouldn’t choose her, she says “Let it be with me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38).
Mary is an example for us in her acceptance of God’s task and how she reacts. She not only says yes, she thanks and praises God for choosing her. May we hear and obey His call on our lives joyfully as well.
Loving Lord, we are amazed that You ask us to be part of Your work in the world. Thank You for loving and including us in Your plan of salvation. Amen.