Tuesday, December 15, 2020
WOULD YOU
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 1:26-38
When we read of Mary’s quick response to the angel, we marvel at her faith. Even though she was perplexed at what the angel said to her, her response, after he said, For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37 NRSV), was immediate. She responded, Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word (Luke 1:38 NRSV).
Maybe we question what God is calling us to do because we don’t know what is ahead. Do you think that Mary would have said no if she had known what was ahead for her child?
Ponder these abbreviated words of the Christmas song, Mary Did You Know©
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God
Mary did you know? . . . .
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am?
Oh Mary did you know?
(Songwriters: Buddy Greene / Mark Lowry © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.)
Since we know Mary could not possibly have known all the song mentions, we know she could not possibly have known about the end of Jesus life—humiliated, tortured, and crucified. Women were not taught the Scriptures like boys were, so she probably would not have learned all the prophesies even if she had heard them. So, would she still have said yes? I believe she would have because she said yes without knowing what the future held.
Here are a few:
Rejected by his people—Is. 53:3
Would raise the dead, heal the blind/deaf/lame/mute—Is. 35:5-6
Would be crucified—Is. 53:12
Would be raised from the dead—Hosea 6:2
Sacrificed for our sin—Is. 53:5-12
Would be King—Zech. 9:9
Remember Jerimiah 29:11: I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for prosper you and to harm you, and plans to give you hope . . . .(NRSV).
So, with Mary, can we say yes, without knowing the future? This Advent season let us say, Lord, let it be with me according to your word. We can do that because Scripture tells us, Do not be afraid and step out in faith.
PRAYER: Gracious God, Help us walk by the same faith Mary had. As we delve into the Scripture, let us see that what the prophets foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures came to fruition in the New Testament in Jesus. If we question, let us search the Scriptures for the answers to our deepest questions. In Christ, we pray. Amen
Reverend Sue Czarnecki
