Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Luke 1:34
“How can this be…?”
“OPPORTUNITY TO SAY YES”
The first recorded words of Mary were spoken to the angel Gabriel when he announced God’s plan for her life. She would give birth to the Christ, Jesus the Son of God. She was so young (a teenager in our language); how could she begin to understand all that God’s plan would mean to her and the world? Her first words were a question: “How can this be since I am a virgin?” It wasn’t a question of doubt, but of amazement at what God can do.
“How can it be?” is an important Advent question for all of us. How can it be that God would love us, forgive us, use us? Mary’s next words were A GREAT AFFIRMATION OF A SIMPLE FAITH: “Be it done unto me according to your word.” Do we dare to believe that with God nothing will be impossible? Have we the courage of faith to say, “Have your own way Lord?”
In a short thirty-three years later, Mary’s Son would speak words that were similar to the ones she said to Gabriel. In a garden of prayer He said, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” Then He went to Calvary’s cross and brought salvation to all who believe.
What would have happened if Mary had said no to the Lord’s plan? We can thank God throughout eternity that Jesus did not refuse Gethsemane’s cup. They both said “yes” to God, and we are saved.
I remember a day many years ago when we were sitting on the porch at Pat’s homeplace. A pastor was explaining the process of entering ministry in the United Methodist Church. I looked to Pat and shook my head no; it was overwhelmingly impossible. I could see a greater faith in her eyes that said, “Yes, we can do whatever it takes.”
We all have an opportunity to say “Yes” or “No” to the Lord. Be ready for those moments when God says “I have a plan for you.” It may be a work for the rest of your life on earth; or it may be a task for today. Can we say, “Your will be done” to the unimaginable plan of God?
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
“Link to YouTube Video – Mary, You Said Yes to God
