Daily Devotions
"Behold, the Maidservant of the Lord"
Title: "Behold, the Maidservant of the Lord"
Reading for March 26: 1 Samuel 15-16
Weekly reading for March 25-31: Luke 1-4
And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
Luke 1:38
Mary was presented with a mind-blowing announcement. Gabriel told her she would bear a child by the Holy Spirit. She knew people would assume this unwed mother was guilty of fornication. However, Mary gladly accepted this burden.
This was just the beginning of her trials. Herod decreed that all male babies two years and under in Bethlehem be killed, which forced Mary and Joseph to flee to Egypt.
There was an attempt to take Jesus’ life in their hometown of Nazareth. Jesus was the object of numerous personal attacks and false accusations.
When Jesus was arrested, tried, beaten, and hung on a tree to die, Mary was there. Only a mother could appreciate the trials she went through for the sake of her son.
"Behold, the maidservant of the Lord..."
Of course, Mary didn't know what she was getting into. Neither do we when we accept God’s call. We don't know what sacrifices will be required of us. However, if we clothe ourselves with the humble, sacrificial spirit of Mary, we'll be prepared when called to suffer for his sake.
Father, we are your willing slaves to do your bidding. Use us to bring honor to your name.
