What is My Response to God's Message?

When God asks me to do something, how do I respond? When I read something I that convicts me in God's word what is my response? As I have been studying various parts of the Christmas story this week, I was asked to compare and contrast Mary and Zachariah's response to God's message.



Let's do Mary first. All of a sudden an angel appears and tells Mary that she will be having the Savior of the World. She asks him one question. "How can this be since I am a virgin?" (Luke 2:34) Sounds like a logical question and the angel has an answer for her. In response to the answer, Mary replies," I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 2:38) Mary was ready to do what God asked of her. She was submissive to God's will.



What about Zachariah? Zachariah was a priest and he was married to Elizabeth who is Mary's cousin. They didn't have any children but had prayed many times for God to give them children. It was Zachariah's time to go into the temple and burn incense. In the midst of his tasks, an angel appears and tells Zachariah that God has heard his prayer. His wife Elizabeth would have son and his son would prepare the way for the Messiah. Zachariah's response was "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." On the surface this question sounds similar to the question that Mary asked. How will God do this? But I am thinking it is not that same due to how Gabriel reacts to the question. Gabriel reminds Zachariah of who he is and who he works for. Gabriel also makes it so Zachariah will not speak until the baby is born because of his unbelief. I guess Zachariah recieved his sign just not one he probably liked. God knew Zachariah's heart and whether he believed or didn't believe.

What can I take away from these two stories? First of all, it is okay to ask questions but it is important with what motive and why I am asking the questions. Second, my mind needs to be set to say yes to God with a submissive heart. Also when I pray, I need to remember that God does hear my prayers. It may be a long time before I see an answer but when the answer comes I need to be ready. I think it is also important for me to not doubt that God can answer my prayers. Here seems to be where Zachariah first doubts. Lastly, if I ask for a sign I might get one but one I may not like. It would be better just to step forward in faith and watch what God will do. God does specialize in doing the impossible.

Dear God, May I not be too critical of Zachariah's response since I have responded that way many times. Forgive my unbelief. Make me like Mary. May I say as Mary did, " I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." May I clearly hear your voice and follow the path you have for me today.

Love and the Book of Romans

"Don't pretend to love others. Really love them." Rom. 12:9a This season is all about love. It could be love for our family, love for our friends and love for those who are in need. Where I live, I see needy people everyday. Who do I help? How can I help? Am I really love them as I help them or just going through the motions? These are some questions I have been asking myself. Is my love pretend? I am finding that to truly love someone you have to give a part of yourself. It could be sharing time or goods. It could be sharing empathy or even understanding where they are coming from. With my family, it often means choosing them over me. It can also mean forgiveness at times even when it is hard. I Pet 4:8 says " Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." I feel a deep love from my husband and kids. They see who I am and love me anyway. Hopefully I do the same in return. It is in this environment that we can feel safe and our love for each other can grow. It is from this safe place that we can reach out in love to those around us. This season my gift to myself is to try to really love those around me. For me, that will mean putting down what I am doing to spend time with my family. It will also mean stepping out of my comfort zone to engage the people I meet each day. It will mean thinking about how it will help the other person not what it will do for me. I wish this all came naturally but thankfully I have God's spirit inside of me to guide me and keep me on track if I will listen.

Dear Father of love, I praise you for your gift of love to us. You loved us even while we were yet sinners. Thank you for giving your Spirit. May I really love those around me through your Spirit. Take away the selfishness inside of me that often fights to take control. May I see you in each person I meet. In Jesus name, Amen