December 6: Power of the Spoken Word

And Mary said, “Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord: be it unto me according to your word,” and the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 (KJV)

Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, showed wisdom beyond her years. She was a real person, you know, flesh and blood, like you and me. Yet, when the angel Gabriel suddenly stood before her, scripture does not record her being afraid. It just says she was troubled, shaken, and wondered what he meant. The angel said, “You have nothing to fear, Mary, God is going to bless you greatly.”

The dream of many Jewish girls in Mary’s day was to be chosen as the mother of the coming Messiah. This hope was widely taught in those times. After Gabriel finished his proclamation, scripture does not indicate any hesitancy or panic in Mary’s demeanor. She calmly accepted this startling announcement and pondered the coming effects on her life.

With faith in the God of her Fathers and remarkable courage, she made the powerful statement that would rock our world. “Be it unto me according to your word!” Would that we as believers could express our faith in words as powerful as Mary’s.

Lord, establish in Your people the desire to be obedient and to believe by faith that Jesus is the Word
who became life and dwelt among us.

Jean Howard