Saturday 25 March 2017
- Bible Book:
- Luke
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (v. 37)
Psalm:
Background
It's lovely that, having begun our week with
What expectations do you have - for what mighthappen to you tomorrow? Next week? Next year? I think it's fair tosay that Mary was not really expecting this. She probably had afair idea of what lay ahead for her: engaged to a good man, therewould be a number of rituals and preparations to make before shewas truly wedded to Joseph and they would live together. And, yes,hopefully babies would come along - at the right time. You'resupposed to do these things in a certain order, right?!
So where does it all go wrong? At what pointdoes Mary's life veer off on a path she neither planned for nordesired? I think it's when she says, "Here am I, the servant of theLord; let it be with me according to your word" (v. 38). Though itappears that the angel is telling - rather than asking - Mary whatwill happen, her consent is utterly crucial. Wouldn't it be lovelyif saying 'yes' to God was the moment life became easier, morestraightforward? Not so for Mary. Her 'yes' led her on achallenging - and ultimately devastating - journey, though I'm surethere was much blessing along the way too. The angel's sketchy mapof the future really didn't cover the fullness of what lay aheadfor Mary, her husband and child. But she trusted God, she submittedto God's will - and offered herself for the blessing of others.
A young woman who never should have beenpregnant, and who had no idea how to be a parent - chosen by theGod of all wisdom. It's not the way I would have done it, that'sfor sure. But God takes our expectations - and blows them away withthe reality of what God's own love and presence can do.
To Ponder
- Do you believe that "nothing will be impossible with God"? What'impossible' people or situations would you like to offer to God inprayer?
- What do you expect from God?
- And what do you think God might expect from you?