Thursday, December 25, 2008

Mary's Song


Power. Not something you think much about during the Christmas season with all the songs about the baby in the manger. Shepherds and sheep and cattle lowing on the hillsides is very comforting and not at all threatening. Power has a way of bringing fear. The misuse of power is something wars are made of and relationships are destroyed through. Power is not just about men, the military, or even the ability to sway a nation through a vote. Power is something that can be
used or abused, but it is definitely the choice of the holder thereof.

Mary was a powerful young woman. The Bible tells us she found favor with God. Not a small accomplishment by any measurement. But, she also found herself with a choice. In that choice she had the power to determine her future and that of her countrymen and mankind.
Yes, I know God would have made a way, regardless of her choice. He is not limited by our decisions. His resources are limitless. Nevertheless, he allowed a young woman the right to choose whether she would carry the King of the Universe within her body and birth righteousness and deliverance into this world. She responded to the angelic messenger with a "Yes-Let it be with me as you have foretold. "
As we consider this amazing exchange, it is our place to wonder what it is God has given us the power to accomplish or carry for him this year. Will our answer to His call be yes? Will we have hearts to bear whatever He places within us? Can we be trusted to carry it to fruition and cherish the privilege of being chosen?
Seeds of greatness are gifts God gives to all His redeemed ones. What he allows us, is the power to say yes or no to His will. We will either submit and experience His joy or resist. I am not clear on all that would be lost in resistance, other than His amazing presence in guidance or the profound process of glorifying Him.
I say, say yes to the Spirit this year. Use the power God has given you for good and be the reflection of Him who created you as an eternal spirit in his very own image. Could it be, in Him, we are more powerful than we ever imagined?

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