The Marys

Tomorrow is the last day of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for the year. I'm always ready for a change in the summer and chomping at the bit to go back in the fall. If you're one of those folks who has heard the negative about BSF, I encourage you to go with an open heart to see for yourself. Personally, I love it, and it has been transformational in the way that I approach scripture.

Anyhoo...I've been taking a look at the Marys of Jesus' life in the last few chapters. I'd like to spend a few posts mulling back over some of the things I've learned this year. I'm also speaking in Holly Springs this Saturday, and the message covers Mary's reception of the news that she was to carry God's son. Truly amazing news--especially in light that it was being delivered to an unmarried teenager. The following is a devotion that I wrote about Mary around Christmas time. I'm inspired over and over again by her submission and faith.

If You Choose to Accept This Assignment...

‘“I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)

How was Mary so accepting of her assignment from the Lord? There is no doubt that it was a glorious assignment. To carry the promised Messiah and raise Him as His mother was awe-inspiring; however, it came with tremendous personal cost. Jewish law demanded that women who became pregnant out of wedlock were to be stoned to death. Even though Joseph came to her rescue and did not end their betrothal, there were surely whispers and innuendo for the rest of her life.

Mary was able to be a willing servant because she knew Truth and was well acquainted with the greatness of the Master. Her praise of Him in Luke 1:46-55 displays the depth of her knowledge of Him. She praises Him as Savior, for His mindfulness of His children, as the Mighty One, for His mercy, for His power, as the mighty but compassionate King, as Provider and as the compassionate Lord of Israel. The One who gave the assignment was no stranger to Mary. Her heart of praise reveals her deep love and awe for Him.

God has an assignment for each of us, too. He created us with a purpose in mind and with good works for His children to perform. How do we respond to His assignments for us, especially if they involve personal cost? If we have invested our lives in knowing our Master, it will be much easier to be joyful servants. We will know that our highest good is linked to His glory. We’ll know that true personal loss comes in the form of disobedience to the Lord. We’ll remember that He is worthy and that serving Him is its own priceless reward.

There have been some times that I’ve ignored His voice. Sometimes it was because of busyness. Sometimes I questioned whether it was His voice or my own. Other times it was just outright disobedience. Every time I was left with regret and emptiness. He is so merciful, and He forgave me when I asked. He gently and faithfully restored me. There are a couple of times that stand out in my mind, however, that the lost opportunity had passed. I don’t want to miss any more opportunities to say “yes” to His assignment, so I’m fixing my eyes on Jesus. I want to know my Master so well that I hear His voice and follow Him into any assignment that He gives me. I want to become a maidservant to the Lord just like Mary.

He has a plan, a purpose and assignments in mind for your life too. Today, why don’t we decide to give a gift to God? Let’s decide to give God the gift of our “yes” all year long. I believe that our gift of “yes” will delight the heart of God, but I know that the blessings will come flowing right back to us.

Respond:
Dear Lord, you are worthy of my entire life and all of my devotion. Help me to hear and obey your voice. I desire to joyfully accept every assignment that You have for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Apply:
Write down the last assignment that you have heard God give to you.

List the steps that you’ve taken to say “yes” to that assignment. Pray and ask God to show you the next step to take.