For the last two weeks our Sunday morning Bible study group has examined the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Last week we looked at the announcement to Zechariah of the birth of his son, John the Baptist.
Today we studied the announcement to Mary of the birth of the baby Jesus. We noted the similarities of the accounts, as well as the contrasts between John and Jesus.
The purpose of the lesson today was to understand that God’s favor depends on our availability, rather than on our ability. Mary’s response was, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Her response changed her life forever.
What about my response … your response … to God? Are we available? I am challenged by the words of the Covenant Prayer of John Wesley:
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low by thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
Click on the arrows to see and hear a portrayal of “Mary, Did You Know?"
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