Mary was the first person to receive Jesus on his terms. Many people want Jesus to come and meet their needs, fix their problems, and heal their hurts. Their expectations are centered around what Jesus can do for them. Mary was different. Check out her response to the angel Gabriel, who told her she would have a child.

Luke 1:38
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.

The angel Gabriel appeared suddenly in the obscure little village of Nazareth.  Following the angel’s greeting, Mary “was greatly troubled” at his words. Then, the angel delivered unbelievable news. Mary was going to have a baby! “How will this be,” Mary asked, “since I am a virgin?” Gabriel’s explanation was as mysterious as his presence. He said, “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” (Luke 1:35). But his last words nailed the reality of the situation: “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

“I am the servant of the Lord” is Mary’s statement of surrender. She accepted Jesus on his terms. Her engagement with the man she loved would be in jeopardy. Those closest to her would not understand her pregnancy. The small town would be filled with rumors. But she trusted God and submitted to his plan.

Many think they can draw up the terms of their relationship with Jesus, but that’s not how it works with the Lord. Everyone who truly wants to follow hard after Jesus must come to a place of surrender. Like Mary, we must say, “I am the Lord’s servant. Use me as your instrument in any way you desire.”

Lord, we confess that the place of surrender is difficult. But we desire to be your servants. We surrender ourselves to you. Use us to carry out your plan in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.