Reflect on Faith and Obedience
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged[a] to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”[b] 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”
34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” [c]
35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:26-37
THOUGHT
Mary’s experience of receiving the message from the Lord and her response demonstrate a life rooted in faith and obedience. Although the message initially shook her world, she relied on her trust in the Lord as her foundation. Over time, her attitude shifted from questioning how God’s plan would unfold to one of full, humble surrender.
Mary showed that faith and obedience are interconnected and cannot exist without each other. Her faith was demonstrated through her obedience to the Lord, which in turn was made possible by her trust in Him. Believing in the Lord and His ways, Mary’s faith led her to obey. Therefore, her faith and obedience reflected a heart rooted in the Lord.
REFLECTION
Our goal is to embody faith and obedience as exemplified by Mary. We need to develop a trust in God’s Word that is absolute, which happens through engaging with His Word and dedicating time to communicate with and listen to the Lord. Through this engagement, we should learn to rest in His truth. Such trust should motivate us to obey Him fully. We are called to step into God’s will and live for Him in every part of our lives. Mary’s example of obedience, even amid uncertainty about the future, shows us how to trust in God's character, power, and person.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust You like Mary. Strengthen my faith. Help me to hear Your call and obey Your Word. Teach me to rest in Your faithfulness and to follow You in complete surrender and authentic humility. Amen.
