Mary: Agreement

Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me

according to your word.’ Luke 1:38

Mary agreed with God. The words of her confession have fascinated me for years. Nine little words not only sealed her fate but ours and changed the course of history. Mary confessed, “Let it be to me according to your word!” How astounding. Young Mary believed everything Gabriel promised and said, “Yes!” Reread her confession and “ponder” this. What would happen if all believers followed Mary’s example and simply agreed with God, believed His Word, and responded accordingly? Indeed, this world would be a different place if we, too, followed Mary’s lead and yielded our lives to God. Watch this: Mary’s yes availed everything she could offer to God!

Young Mary was favored by God and tapped for the most coveted call among women. For years the Jews had waited for the coming of a deliverer, the One equal to “The Most High God.” Since only one woman could birth Jesus, we must consider the wealth of Mary’s heart which said much more than “See, I am your servant.” What was the disposition from her heart when she yielded and pledged (note the two-fold response) faithful fidelity to God? Mary’s heart said:

“Yes, Lord, I’m all in! I don’t care what happens next because this could only be from You. I believe if You can place Your Son within my womb, You can handle the rest!” Mary was fully persuaded that God could do the impossible and would. How do we know? She believed it and said so. Mary told Gabriel, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Don’t miss the fact that she informed Gabriel of God’s great power, not the other way around. Gabriel didn’t need to convince Mary. It was part of her confession!

Mary’s life changed that day. Although there were many challenges to face, she had a confident peace that God would prevail. When Gabriel departed, Mary’s fate was sealed. Deep within her womb, she held a secret. One of greatness and love like the world had never known. Since the hope of all of Israel and humanity were at stake, Mary intuitively knew no force from within or without could alter God’s plan. Through tears of joy, she looked heavenward in awe and wonder, thinking how incredible, “My God has chosen me!” Indeed, on that sacred hillside of solitude, Mary agreed with God!

So what made Mary God’s choice? Undoubtedly, it was her committed love for Him, a hunger for His Word, and her belief in it. Mary knew God, and she knew His Word. Moreover, she believed it and responded. That’s important to note because most women of this era were uneducated and illiterate. Scholars believe that Mary was too. Yet, she knew scripture, and it seems that God’s Word with written on Mary’s heart. That evidence is further affirmed through her confession to Elizabeth in Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55. If you’re unfamiliar with her passionate knowledge of God and hope in Him, these verses are worth the read. But, for now, we’ll give her father credit for overseeing a fine Jewish home where the feasts were kept, and the scriptures were part of daily life.

For years, all of Israel waited for deliverance, and, at last, it was coming. But, I have the idea that Mary was wholly devoted to God long before that day - devoted in prayer, focused in hope, and purposeful in deed. Mary was born for this! No doubt, young Mary had looked heavenward many times as her people, her parents, too, struggled under harsh Roman rule and excessive taxation to inquire: “How long, Lord?” And now, she knew!

If we were honest, we’d agree that few of us know the resolve of Mary. Once Gabriel departed, she never waivered. She never got off track and never lost her focus. It’s interesting to consider that Mary’s “all in” could not be changed. How many times have we said, “Yes, Lord,” and then wandered or strayed and ignored our commitment? But, Mary, now divinely conceived, didn’t have the option of saying, “Lord, I don’t have time for this - I’ve changed my mind. Perhaps I’d rather not!” Watch this closely. Mary’s yes, encompassed the whole. If there was ever a committed pledge that required the heart, mind, (body) spirit, and soul – this was it! In love, she was willing to go the distance and embraced her call with confident joy, elegance, and grace. Throughout her life, Mary maintained her steadfast hope in God. Scriptures record no failure or lapse of faith on Mary’s part.

What’s the takeaway? Do you agree with God’s Word? If so, tell Him and live to that end. Declare your steadfast hope in Him, like Mary, who believed nothing was impossible with God. Then watch as God puts newfound love, joy, faithfulness, and steadfast resolve in you and then births His plans through you! When we take this step, our lives change like Mary’s. Likewise, that change affects everyone around us. Believer, take heart. God has great things planned concerning you. How do I know? Because you have Christ in you – the hope of glory!

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, steady us and keep us faithful. Fill us with your Spirit and use us. Like Mary, we believe in the impossible because our hope is in You! Amen and amen.