Harlot! The word probably rang through Mary’s soul with such force she involuntarily shivered. She wasn’t one, in fact she couldn’t have been further from one, but that is not what other people would think. I can see her running her hands through her long dark hair and straightening her headpiece trying to calm her nerves. Did he really say I would be with child—God’s child?
I can see Mary backing herself into a chair, running her hand down her face—not in disbelief, but in shock at what just occurred. God knocked on her door, and she answered. She didn’t even really think about it, her decision came naturally—almost as if instinct took over where emotion went numb.
Once Gabriel left her presence, she had time to sit and ponder the things she just beheld. In just a few months her belly would bulge, and all of Nazareth would know this girl with the child growing inside of her was not married. The world was under the impression there was only one way to make a baby—only Mary and God knew there were really two.
Yes, the Jews had been looking for their Messiah for years, but they would never believe He would come through the womb of a poor girl from a low-class town. No, the King of the world would not be born into poverty—common sense said there was no way. Ah, but Gabriel said something different and he was sent from God.
The penalty in those days for pre-marital pregnancy was being stoned to death. Mary knew that when she agreed to be part of God’s plan. What we most often fail to realize is Mary had a choice in this whole matter. Gabriel’s words to Mary did not come in the form of a command—she had to agree to the divine offer. Mary submitted to the will of God out of obedience and out of her own free will.
She could have said no. She could have scoffed at the offer or cowered in fear. She could have told Gabriel she would “pray about it,” and he needed to come back later. But Mary did none of those things. Mary only said yes. Now I am not saying we should always instantly say yes to ministry opportunities that arise. Some matters require prayerful consideration before decisions can be made. But other times there is no question—God is in it and we need to act.
Mary was asked to relinquish her reputation, her honor and her very life if needed in order to answer God’s call. Think about that for a second. Mary—who was a virgin—was asked to take on a role that would cause many to think of her as loose in her morals and worthy of death. Insults would fly every time she stepped outside and the baby—after He was born—would be forced to endure accusations He was illegitimate.
Would you relinquish your reputation, your honor and your life to answer the call of God? Many of us flinch when God requires something far smaller from us.
Mary’s response to God’s call for her should stand as a perfect example for those of us who are seeking to obey God in our lives today. She didn’t know all His plan would entail, she didn’t know how He would pull it off, she didn’t know what would become of her in the process—she only knew what it would cost her to obey and she didn’t waiver for even a minute. She couldn’t foresee all the blessings—she could only see the bottom line. Often, it is the same with us.
Other people may not—and probably will not—understand the call God has on your life. Sometimes you will be asked to do things that seem crazy to other people, and you will be asked to put your all out there on the line. Just look at Mary. She had nothing going for her in the deal she made with God—except a promise no one could see but her.
A simple yes was all it took from the mouth of Mary for God to send a Savior to the world. There is no telling what a simple yes from your mouth will do today.
Excerpt taken from God Called a Girl. To purchase a copy click here.
