September 24th~Whatever You Want

Mark 1:1


Luke 1:1-4

John 1:1-18

Matthew 1:1-17

Luke 3:23b-38

Luke 1:5-38

It was encouraging to read this verse today, “Here begins the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). How refreshing it was to begin the New Testament! “The One who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world”; and, “all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of

God” (John 1:9, 12). That is good news indeed!

We were introduced to two important women — Elizabeth and Mary — and two miraculous births. Though she was very old and without child, Elizabeth was given the news that she would bear a son, the forerunner of the Messiah. “He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah... He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the way for His arrival” (Luke 1:15-17). She was to name him John. “God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that they might believe because of his testimony” (John 1:6).

Mary, though she was a virgin, was told that she would also bear a son; she was to call Him Jesus. “He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give Him the throne of His ancestor David; and He will reign over Israel forever. His kingdom will never end! The baby born to you will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:26-33).

As confirmation of the angel’s promise to Mary, she was told about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. She would soon travel to Judea to see if it were true. Two pregnancies, two miracles. How can this be, one might ask? How can a virgin have a child? No problem. Can the One who created everything there is not also create life in a mother’s womb? God is sovereign, all-powerful, and able to do all that He chooses. “Nothing is impossi- ble” with Him, the angel told Mary, and she believed it (Luke 1:37).

Daily Reflection

Do you believe that God is sovereign, that He is all-powerful? That is easy to say but more difficult to live out in reality. For example, do you believe that nothing is impossible with Him, that He can work miracles in your circumstances?

How would your words and actions prove that you either do or do not believe this truth?

I love how Mary responded to the angel after hearing the news of her pregnancy. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she said. “I am willing to accept whatever He wants” (Luke 1:38). I have no problem saying to God, “I am your servant.” I want to serve Him in whatever capacity that is. However, I have difficulty saying to Him, “I am willing to accept whatever You want.” But, these two things cannot be separated. Why not?

Both of these ladies were surprised by God with complete life changes, an unforeseen direction. Are you as faithful as Elizabeth, to say “How kind the Lord is”? Are you as courageous as Mary to say, “I am wiling to accept whatever You want” for me, even if it’s inconvenient?
Can you declare your service to the Lord without accepting His assignments? Are you ready to let the Lord upend your comfortable life to do His work?

BiAY.org | Day 267 — 98 Days to Go