Big Point: Mary received God’s invite in the middle of her everyday.What do you think of when you think of Jesus’ mother Mary? For most of us, the first thing that comes to mind is the manger scene, with Mary holding baby Jesus close. But what about Mary’s everyday life—what would it have been like?
The reality is that her whole existence was already planned out. In the culture at that time, custom would have dictated that she be married at an early age, to a man chosen by her family, so it was...
planned that she marry Joseph. Then it was expected that she would bear children, boys, who would continue the family line and provide economic strength and physical protection for the family. Secure, stable, everyday, Mary was preparing to be a wife and mother. There was nothing particularly awe-inspiring about the life she was marrying into, but little did she know that God’s plan was so much bigger!
planned that she marry Joseph. Then it was expected that she would bear children, boys, who would continue the family line and provide economic strength and physical protection for the family. Secure, stable, everyday, Mary was preparing to be a wife and mother. There was nothing particularly awe-inspiring about the life she was marrying into, but little did she know that God’s plan was so much bigger!
It’s in the middle of her everyday that an angel visits Mary and tells her that God chose her to be a part of His extraordinary plan to save humanity. As we read in Luke, Mary is a great example of accepting the invitation. She responded with a servant’s heart, with no questions as to what this would do to disrupt her quiet, safe and planned life. She trusted God’s plan instead, and said yes to the interrupting invitation He extended to her. Her obedience was the first step toward the salvation of mankind—think of the awe and wonder that must have caused!
READ IT… What does the Bible say?
Luke 1:31-38 (New Living Translation)
31 “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 2He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Question: After 400 years of silence, an angel appears to Mary and not only tells her what will happen, he also offers her a sign as proof. What was the sign and what did it prove? (verses 36-37)
Answer:
BELIEVE IT… What is the lesson for me?
True or False: I receive God’s interrupting invitation with a servant’s heart.
LIVE IT… What will I do now?
How can you be ready to step out of your everyday, with a servant’s heart, and be ready for anything God asks of you this Christmas season?
PRAY… Thank God for blessing you with interrupting invitations. Ask Him to give you the courage to step out with a heart for serving Him in any capacity He chooses.
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