SURRENDER
Press In To Press On #13
Mark Geppert
Mary was chosen. "Don't be afraid, you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30) This young woman was chosen to bring forth the Living Word of God. It was Mary who received the rhema of a son, conceived of the Holy Spirit, who would develop within her, learn love and life from her, be nurtured in the admonition of the Father by her and be taken from and returned to her. One person selected out of all the human race to be entrusted with the life of the Savior of the world.
Mary's faith is seen in her response to the angelic message, "Let it be to me, according to your word." (Luke 1:38) Mary surrendered to the will and word of God.
Conceived by the Holy Spirit and Mary's surrender to God's will. The word became flesh and dwelt among us as the only begotten of the Father, Jesus, the Seed of Abraham and Christ the Seed of the Father became totally God and totally man. He is, was, and ever will be the link between the two.
Visiting Elizabeth, Mary received the confirmation that the child growing within her was indeed the Savior; for as soon as Mary greeted Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy. John the. Baptist recognized Jesus and Elizabeth proclaimed, "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her of the Lord." (Luke 1:45)
Mary burst into song declaring, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit has rejoiced in God my savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of his maidservant for behold henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:48)
"He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy. As HE spoke to our fathers to Abraham and his seed forever." (Luke 1:54-55)
God is and is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. The word Mary received had become flesh and was growing within her. Already manifesting the Christ nature of God, He would be birthed with great fanfare as kings and shepherds would come to worship Him. Riches would be given to Mary and Joseph as they continued to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking daily in the will of God, cooperating with His purpose. Just as Sarah and Hannah had surrendered, now Mary traveled to Egypt and then back to Galilee, fulfilling the prophecies of ancient times to validate that this young man was, indeed, the Son of God.
It was at the wedding in Canaan that she told the servants, "Whatever He tells you to do, do it. (John 2:5) Mary released authority to Jesus.
Mary pressed in to God to receive the child. Mary pressed in to God to grow the child. Mary pressed in to God to affirm the child. Mary pressed in to God for strength as that child died. And Mary pressed in to God to receive Jesus back from the grave.
The word, mixed with faith, made the impossible possible.
The process took 33 years of a young woman's life. From rhema to resurrection Mary had to press in to God to find strength. Her example is an encouragement to all who are watching the faithfulness of the Lord from generation to generation. He is the God of the living, not of the dead. The word spoken will come to pass as He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
"Let it be to me according to your word." The word is working.
Press in to press on,
Mark
