Read Luke 1:26-38
In an ordinary town, called Nazareth, located just off the main trade route, lived an ordinary teenager, or so it seemed to the rest of humanity. Mary’s life was full of “ordinary” things – the huge leap from childhood to adulthood - planning and preparing for a future of possibilities. But in God’s eyes, she was anything but “ordinary.”
It is her response to the angel’s declaration that reveals to us what God sees as extraordinary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” He saw a submissive heart. A willingness to submit is essential in being usable for God’s purpose and glory.
Submission means willingly setting aside our will, our wants, and our plans. Every fiber of our being fights against the mere thought of losing control of these very things. The Greek word translated “submit” and “submission” in the New Testament is hupotasso, which literally means “under lay.” We use the same term for the pad under carpet. It is a perfect example of submission’s divine purpose, which is to enhance, enable and extend. It is an incredible gift of grace we can give to others to help them be and do all they can at the highest possible level and positive outcome.
What if that “other” was God?
God wanted to bring His grace and glory into this world. He wanted to use Mary. She chose to say “yes!” Her response came from a heart that loved and trusted God. She didn’t have to weigh the pros and cons. She didn’t play the “what if” game. She didn’t try to negotiate or bargain. She knew this honor came with a very high cost. But she knew God! His character and promises fill her praise in Luke 1:46-55. Because she knew He was trustworthy, she willingly submitted.
God wanted to bring His grace and glory into this world. He wanted to use His Son, Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He too said “yes” (Matthew 26:39). Godly submission – how to yield with grace to another – is a lesson Mary taught her little boy, Jesus, and demonstrated in her own life. Submission is not only taught, but caught. Mary’s giving God a gift of submission wasn’t just about becoming the mother of the Son of God, but mothering Him to the cross as well.
God still wants to bring His grace and glory into this world. He wants to use you. It requires a submissive heart. As with Mary and Jesus, the honor comes with a high cost. Giving the gift of submission takes you from ordinary to extraordinary as you partner with God in bringing His grace and glory to a hurting and needy world. The choice is always up to you.
Making It Personal
What is your “natural” reaction to the idea of being submissive?
Ephesians 5:21 tells us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” How does seeing it as a gift of grace change your perspective and/or attitude about submission?
There are several defining attributes of grace:
- It is never obligatory or coerced, but freely given.
- Worthiness is never a determining factor.
- Its purpose is always what is best for the recipient, regardless of the cost or consequence to the giver.
We know that through Christ, God has given to us an incredible gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8). What does your giving God a gift of grace mean to you?
Are you willing to give God an extraordinary Christmas gift this year? (Be specific in your answer: what, when, why, how, etc.)
