A Proper Response

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38

The word "bondslave" that Mary uses is translated "one who worships God and submits to Him." Surely this describes Mary. Here she is, a nice young Jewish girl with her whole life ahead of her. A devoted follower of Jehovah, she's kept her sexual and spiritual purity. Like most young ladies, she's probably dreamed of romance, marriage and a family. Now she's betrothed to a good man with a respectable carpentry trade. Suddenly, a startling being appears and turns her world upside down. He announces she's to give birth to the Son of God. A stupendous honor, to be sure -- but one that could cost her dearly. Mary knew the Law. She knew the penalty for adultery was death by stoning. She knew the probability that this would be her fate when the Nazareth community discovered she was pregnant. Pregnant by someone other than Joseph her betrothed. Who could blame Mary if she had said, "no thanks" to Gabriel. Yet, amazingly, she puts all her hope and trust in God and submits her life to Him. A proper response for all believers.