This young girl, probably around the age of 16, was visited by an angel. She had probably been minding her own business doing your typical everyday tasks (whatever that looked like in those days) when suddenly, a glow enters the room and she whips around to see an angel right in front of her. She would probably be a tad bit afraid. I know I would be! After being sacred out of her skin, Mary listens to what the angel has to say.According to Matthew 1:31 the angels says "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS." To this, Mary replies "Behold the maidservant of the LORD! Let it be so according your word." How much obedience this would take! She understood that she was blessed to bear her Savior. She didn't argue. She didn't think twice. She just said "Let it be so". What an example she is.
On the other side of the story, we have Joseph. He's betrothed to Mary and never slept with her. Can you imagine the suspicions that would arise when his virgin fiance' comes to him and tells him that she's pregnant? He probably had millions of thought running through his head. He wants to call it off, but in the nick of time, yet another angel comes and says "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for she that which she has conceived is from the Holy Spirit." He takes her as his wife. Again, what an act of obedience!
Question: Do you always obey your authority figures that have been placed in your life? Why do you rebel against them?
Challenge: This season, think and figure out why you rebel against your authority. Take the first step in changing your ways: Identify the problem. Then change your ways.
Reading: Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:26-38 and 2:1-7 (All of these tell of the birth of Jesus and of Mary and Joseph's obedience to God.
Other ideas for further study: Find other people in the Bible who are known for their obedience. Find creative ways to apply it to your life.
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