Let It Be

1

 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:26-38).

It’s June and already feeling summery, but our Scripture for this fifth and final week of our Into the Unknown series may have more of a December ring to it.

Most of us have heard this scene recounted during Christmases past. Some strange guy comes to Mary unexpectedly and says she's going to become pregnant (though she hasn’t slept with her fiancé Joseph). Mary simply asks how this will be, hears the guy’s answer, and accepts it. Actually more than accepts. She commits to it. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she says. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

I’d be in a tizzy, swirling with emotions, questions, worries and doubt. “Did I hear him right? Who is this guy, anyway? Can I trust him? Regardless if I can or not, what will people think of me? What's going to happen to Joseph's reputation? Will it affect his job and our ability to make a living? What about my parents? I want them to know I've honored them and how they raised me. Gosh, I’m not ready to be a mother. I don't even know how to be a wife yet!"

Whew! I’ve tired myself out just thinking of how dizzying the angel Gabriel’s words could be to a young lady. Yet, Mary doesn't get in a tizzy. She remains calm and focused. After asking Gabriel how this could be she moves right on to her commitment to God’s will. 

Why doesn't Mary try to work out all the details or figure out next steps? How is she able to avoid getting all muddled up in the messiness of it all? Moreover, how does she move so quickly to obedience? Her words, “Let it be to me as you have said,” express so much more than passive resignation. She’s expressing an active commitment to God and whatever He is calling her to no matter how crazy or implausible the road ahead may seem.

I think we get a glimpse of Mary’s strength and motivation in verses 47-55 of the same chapter. Here Mary sings a song of praise to her God, the one she’s been reading about, hearing about, longing for and awaiting her whole life. She’s so steeped in prophecies that have foretold the arrival of a Savior that she’s able to recite them from memory. She focuses on God, his goodness, his past faithfulness, and his promised provisions. Her laser-like focus on HIM allows all else to just melt away in the goodness to come. 

“My soul glorifies the Lord
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

    for the mighty one has done great things for me --

    holy is His name
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation." 

Yes, Lord, let it be to me as you have said. No matter what you are calling me to now during this time of uncertainty, I want to be an active participant. I want to walk with you in the joy and wonder of following you on every new adventure. Thank you for Mary's YES to your will, as Jesus is the greatest gift to our hurting world. May I say YES to you, too.

1 Comment

"Why doesn't Mary try to work out all the details or figure out next steps?" This is what I do --try to muddle through all the details. "When in panic, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." Mary's calm acceptance and willingness to submit to God's will is an inspiration to me. Thank you.

Leave a Comment

Comments for this post have been disabled.