Maturity
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:26-38
“I am the Lord’s servant … May it be to me as you have said.”
Luke 1:38
Some of my friends in seminary gave up other careers to go into ministry work. Some of them sold homes and businesses to move hundreds or even thousands of miles to do their studies. They traded in financial security for sacrifice. My wife and I, whose lives during my seminary days were relatively easy, were often in awe.
At some point each of these faithful disciples said to God something like what Mary said: “May it be to me as you have said.” In most cases that statement of surrender was spoken after long wrestling, and in some cases it came after many tears. But when it came, it was beautiful and right.
But Mary is not coming to this statement from another life-track or career. She’s too young to have had another life! Some scholars believe that she may have been as young as thirteen. So maybe it was easy for her to speak this statement of surrender. After all, what did she have to lose?
I think, though, that Mary’s statement marks a kind of maturity. Yes, Mary was probably very young, but for her to say, “Not my will but yours be done” (see Luke 22:42), reveals that God had already moved her beyond the selfish desire to have things her way.
Sometime God may call you to serve someone, minister somewhere, or give something. What will you say?
Dear God, let me hear your voice today. Help me to respond with faith and obedience. Give me the strength to serve you in whatever you call me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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