The Heart of a Servant

Can you picture it? A poor, young teenager, recently engaged. The most unlikely person for God to use. Why would the God of all creation choose someone like her to bear His Son? Why was she "highly favored" by God over all the other women on the earth?

Well, for one thing, God's grace (favor) is His to bestow. He needs no reason to give it. Indeed, any human attempt to gain it nullifies His precious gift of grace. So what did the Lord see in Mary that would cause Him to choose her for such a task?

I think the answer is best found in these verses:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” ~Luke 1:38, NIV

Obedience and Humility
We live in a society of entitlement, where we demand our rights and our way. But Mary recognized her place in relation to God. She was His servant, not the other way around. So many times we treat God like He's the one serving us. May we become more like Mary, asking for God's will to be done in our lives.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name." ~Luke 1:46-49, NIV

Praise and Thanksgiving
Mary was quick to publicly express her gratitude and direct her praise to God. How easy it would have been for her to become proud and say, "God chose me, so I must be better than all the other girls out there."

Instead she poured out her heartfelt praise at the joy she felt in being chosen of God--the Mighty One, the One whose name is holy.

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” ~Luke 2:34-35, NIV

But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. ~Luke 2:51b, NIV

Accepting
Every opportunity brings with it the potential for great blessing and great sorrow. Mary's task was no exception. There was no way she could have foreseen the heartache she would have to endure when Gabriel appeared with his announcement, but it probably didn't take long for her to realize her God-appointment wouldn't always be an easy job. Yet she "treasured ALL these things in her heart."

Lord God, the Mighty One whose name is holy, how we praise You for the story of redemption, for God coming to earth in the form of a helpless baby. We thank You for the example of Mary. May we be quick to recognize our place--humble servants, ready to do Your bidding. Give us servant hearts. May we respond to the tasks You give us with praise and thanksgiving, grateful for the small part You've given us to play in Your story. Then Father, may we also be accepting of the difficulties, the times when our hearts will be pierced, knowing that You can bring great good out of even these. We love and praise You, and thank You again for demonstrating Your love to us by sending Your only Son to save us from our sins. Amen.