Oct. 06, 2024

READY TO SERVE

Luke 1:38

Today in our text God points His finger at Mary and says, “I want you!” God calls on Mary. She responds in faith and trust in her Lord as a servant — ready to serve. She was ready to serve on short notice for a big task of being the mother of the ultimate servant — God’s Son, her son — and give His life as a ransom for many. May we be ready to serve as baptized children of God in gladness. Every time we make confession in the Creeds, we remember the “virgin Lord”. The angel Gabriel was sent to bring Mary a message that would change her life. Not only does Gabriel say to Mary — “Stop fearing” but adds “you have found favor” with God. Mary was not worthy of God’s favor, His grace, His undeserved kindness. She is a sinner, just as are we. She did not earn God’s favor any more than we have. But God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus. Mary, needless to say, was perplexed. She asked a simple question. The angel pretty much summed up this whole visit: “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). The impossible was going to be possible Mary was ready to go. Mary was a woman of faith. It was faith that allowed her to accept the angel’s message without question and place herself in the position to serve her Lord. She was ready to serve. This Sunday, we celebrate Lutheran Women in Mission, the LWML. Their motto is all about willing service and the attitude of joyfully serving. Serve the LORD with gladness! (Psalm 100:2). May our response as His baptized children of God be one of service or as Martin Luther expressed it: “that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.”

Questions:

1.    Why did Gabriel come to see Mary?

2.    How did Mary respond to the angel?

3.    How does Martin Luther say our response to God’s call should be?