Daily Devotional for Wednesday 13th December
Mary’s Obedience
Mary asked Gabriel how she would have a child whilst she was a virgin, and Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her.
We know that the Holy Spirit was there at creation (Genesis 1) and again it is present at the conception of Jesus.
With Mary being human and the Holy Spirit forming a baby, it shows us that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. Formed without sin meaning that Jesus was sin free. Just as God had made Adam and Eve sin free to walk the earth, their choices led them to a sinful life, however, Jesus would do the opposite and live a completely sin-free life in order to save us.
The angel Gabriel also tells Mary of her relative Elizabeth carrying a child even against the laws of nature due to her age. Another work of God that shows He has complete power and control over every situation. It would’ve also shown Mary how powerful God was and perhaps a way to show her that His word was the truth.
Mary didn’t question any further, instead submitting and answering “I am the Lord’s servant.” As discussed yesterday, Mary would’ve been in a vulnerable position if she had been rejected by Joseph. It would’ve been shameful to be pregnant without a husband and if her own family had disowned her, she would’ve been an outcast. At this point Mary would not have known Joseph’s answer, and yet she still agreed to submit to be God’s servant. What a huge leap of faith!
Time to reflect…
1. It may be hard for some to believe if somebody they knew were to say they were expecting a baby yet still a virgin – how do you think Mary would have felt knowing this news and telling everybody?
2. Let’s reflect on how divine this conception was. The joy that Mary would’ve felt, not only carrying a child but the child of God.
3. Can we say that we fully commit to God and say “I am the Lord’s servant” without asking questions first or having doubts?
Pause to pray…
Lord, we thank you for this bible reading today. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be filled with Your Holy Spirit and embracing that feeling, knowing that Jesus was formed of the Holy Spirit also, thank you for allowing us to experience that love. We pray that we continue to submit ourselves to you blindly, that our trust in You is far larger than the trust we have in ourselves.
In Jesus name we pray
Amen.
