The Perfect Response

“Let it be to me according to Your word.” Luke 1:38.

Mary had just received some amazing news. News that couldn’t be fully understood or explained medically or naturally; news that would shatter her reputation as a virgin; news that would endanger her courtship; news that would threaten her future security; news that would bring her into a relationship with God that no one in the history of the world had ever experienced.

What made Mary’s response perfect? It was perfect because it was the response of faith. It was the only response that would please God. Mary did not say, “Let it be to me according to my good deeds” or, “let it be to me according to my perfect life.”

Mary’s response was perfect because it showed her immediate obedience to what God wanted to do. She didn’t say, “Be it unto me after I go home and think about it until I am sure this is what I want to do.”

Mary’s response was perfect because she didn’t try to figure things out according to reason. She didn’t say, “Be it unto me according to what You have said as soon as Joseph and I get married.” She did not say, “That’s a great idea, but how about if it happens to me according to an idea I’ve been thinking about.” Mary understood that what God was proclaiming had nothing to do with “natural causes.” Mary knew that God’s words were too big for small talk; too great for human debate; too mighty for a cautious reaction; too significant for a limited commitment; too glorious for a timid response.

Mary’s response was perfect because she yielded to the power of the Holy
Spirit. When she said, “Be it unto me according to Your word,” the Holy Spirit overshadowed her (enveloped her in a cloud of brilliance and glory.) This was not a figure of speech but a literal experience and a physical encounter with the Holy Spirit. As a result of this encounter the physical life of Jesus was formed within her.

As imperfect people, each of us can, like Mary, give a perfect response to God. May this be the prayer that God hears from our hearts this Christmas season, “Be it unto me according to Your truth, according to Your will, according to Your purpose. Holy Spirit, come upon me with Your power. Overshadow me with Your glory. Form Christ within me. Cause Jesus’ life to be extended through me to touch the lives of others. For the glory of Your wondrous name be it unto me according to the words that You have proclaimed and the promises that You have made.”

Comments

[Becky Eppley]

"God's words were too big for small talk" - that's perfect, such excellent thoughts about how we should respond to what God asks of us. Thank you.