38 Mary responded, “No thanks, Lord. That sounds like an unbelievable story as well as too much work and problems for me. What about the gossip? What will Joseph think? If I am pregnant before the marriage ceremony is completed, I could get the death penalty by stoning. I have my reputation as well as the reputation of my family to think about too. And nobody would believe me anyway. The whispers of doubt and unfaithfulness will follow me the rest of my life if I agree to this. My mind is made up – No – I do not need this lifetime of extra stress and trouble over this one
decision.” Wait! What? No, that’s not right!
What if Mary had really decided not to be obedient? God would have found another way to bring Jesus into the world, but she would have faced an eternity of regrets for her disobedience.
This is Mary’s real response — “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Mary chose obedience and in turn was blessed.
How about you? Do you choose to obey or disobey and ignore God and His Word? Do you “obey on your terms” (which is disobedience) or obey God on His terms. The choice is yours.
Have a blessed and obedient Christmas season!
Pastor Dan