Thursday

December 3, 2020

What are you willing to do for the Lord?  

Mary was young; she didn’t even fully understand the where, when, what, and how of God’s plan.  But one thing she understood: “If God asks me to do something, I need to do it.” 

Her response to the angel’s message that she was to give birth to the Son of God: “I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 (HCSB)

During this season of Christmas, it is easy to get caught up in all the pageantry and celebration.  But the lesson of the nativity is a call to humble obedience.  Mary, Joseph, even the shepherds–all the lead characters surrounding the birth of Jesus–are humble servants of God.

And the most humble example is that of the baby being born.  Paul wrote of Jesus, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5 – 8 (NKJV)

Has God called you to a task you don’t understand?  Are you overwhelmed by the ministry that God has called you to?  Learn the lesson of humble obedience and say with Mary, “I am the Lord’s slave; may it be done to me according to your word.” 

Prayer:  Dear God, sometimes I am overwhelmed by the tasks you call me to.  But thanks to Jesus I know that you are with me.  Help me to trust in you to give me the strength to accomplish whatever you call me to do.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.