And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 ESV)
Mary
Mary was amazing. She had just found out that God had chosen her to take part in the incarnation. She did not know how it was going to work, but if she had listened to Gabriel Mary DID know that her baby was “the great I am!”
I felt pretty smug when recently I was asked to play Jacob Marley in, ‘A Christmas Carol.” Also, I was chosen first ONE time to be on a kickball team, and my head was bigger than the ball. Also, I was impressed with myself when I once was asked to help another minister write a sermon. Also, I feel proud when I observe the accomplishments of my children.
But Mary knew how big this God-Man really was. Mary knew that as honored as she was, more importantly, she needed to be humble. Mary knew that Jesus did not make her great. Mary knew that Jesus brings everyone to our knees, gladly.
We’ve been honored by God as He chooses us as His children, too. But when we understand that, we do not brag. We do not puff up. We do not become amazed with ourselves.
That is what everyone else might do.
But we are peculiar. Like Mary, we are gladly servants of Him.