I wanted to take another look at Mary’s Obedience today.  We saw from scripture yesterday that Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message was one of wonder, submission and obedience, however, scripture also teaches that God’s response to obedience is blessing.  How was Mary blessed?   Gabriel spoke to Mary and elaborated on her mission.   Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”     She was to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah, the Son of God,  whose kingdom will be forever.  After Mary asked her question as to how this was possible, Gabriel graciously gave her more information to reassure her.  “And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born  will be called holy—the Son of God.   And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.   For nothing will be impossible with God.”  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (verses 35-38)   She was to be visited by the Holy Spirit,  her child would be the Son of God and her cousin Elizabeth was going to bear a child a child in her old age.  All of these things are impossible for man but possible with God.  

Mary was open to God’s will in her life and willing to trust God with her future.  Her willingness to follow where God was leading caused her to be mightily blessed.  She is revered as the Mother of our Lord and Savior, had the joy of raising Jesus and teaching him in their family, watching him grow and develop into a man of purpose and direction fully obedient to God.    Jesus spoke to his disciples about love and obedience in John 15: 10-11 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  Obedience or doing as God directs  brings fullness of joy into our lives and brings joy to the Lord.  Mary experienced this love and joy in her life because she was obedient to God. 

Can you remember a time when obedience brought blessing into your life?  God wants to shower us with blessing and the fullness of His joy.  It is a promised result of obedience to Him.  Seek God and ask Him what He would have you do, then move forward with an obedient heart.  Watch out!  You will be showered with blessings and great joy!

Striving to walk in obedience to Him,

Linda