Anticipating His Advent #13

We've spent the last few days looking at this announcement by Gabriel to Mary, and his explanation on "how" this was all possible, which really was not a very detailed, scientific answer. But it was enough for Mary to find reassurance and confidence, as we read:

38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

When we compare this response to many others in scripture who are called upon by God to do something, there really is quite a contrast. There is no doubting, arguing, or questioning like we find with Abraham, Moses or many of the prophets. There is this resolved response: I am the servant of the Lord. We might say Mary told Gabriel: "Tell the Lord I said yes." She believed that God could and would do what He said, and that what God chose to do, including for her, was good and best.  Gabriel then leaves because he has done his job in delivering the message and getting her response.  As we pointed out last Sunday, the way he put this announcement, he was saying that her conceiving of Jesus would then take place immediately. This is Mary's final answer: "yes."  If we take away anything from today's thoughts it would be this: When God shows you His will, and you know it is good and right, simply say "yes"; no turning back, no "Let me think about it some more;" just trust God to know and do what is best for you and all, and obey His will.