Week 4
Waiting in Servanthood with Mary…
Luke 1.26-40
A young woman, Mary, who lived in the village of Nazareth was engaged to a carpenter. He was not wealthy or well known, but Joseph was a good man. She was preparing for the wedding—and was engaged in hopes for home, family, security . . . until the angel Gabriel knocked at her door.
“Peace be with you!” he says.
(What is God’s peace like, she wonders. Why is my heart pounding so?)
“The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you. Don’t be afraid! You will conceive and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.”
(Jesus? in me? how?)
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you,” And Mary replies:
“Yes, I am the Lord’s servant . . .
Her engagement to the carpenter and her hopes are all at risk as she journeys into the hills of Judah, to calm the pounding of her spirit in the house of Elizabeth. When we say, “Yes, Lord; I am your servant,” our lives will never be the same again. For Jesus will be born in us, His Spirit will overshadow us, and we will give birth to God’s Kingdom in the stable of this world.
Reflection
As you look back on your life, reflect on the Gabriel moments. What word did God speak to you? Who are the persons who have created safe space for you to speak and to explore the Word, the birthing? Where is saying “Yes, Lord” taking you?
Lord,
I believe my life is touched by You,
that You want something for me and of me.
Give me ears to hear You, eyes to see the
tracing of Your finger, and
a heart quickened by the motions of Your Spirit.