A teenage girl pledged to be married, the pathway for her life was set. In the picture books she’s always pictured sweeping or cleaning but I wonder what she was really doing that day when she was interrupted?
One thing is for sure is that she didn’t wake up that day expecting to find herself pregnant with the Son of God by the end of it.
‘How will this be?’
A question of process, not of unbelief. In her moment of interruption Mary’s response is one of practicality, yet I think also speaks of her deeper faith. There is a quiet sense of her assurance in the angel’s message, in the purpose she has been given.
Her raw and honest response challenges me – am I bold and brave enough in my dreaming to ask God – how will this be? To trust that the God who can send angels, is also a God of practical detail and process.
As she hears the response to the question she leans into her identity – ‘I am the Lord’s servant’ – this great interruption would change the course of her life forever and the place she finds peace is in who she is, someone who serves God.
I’m not convinced after hearing the angel’s words Mary would have had full understanding and peace straight away, I’m sure in her human-ness she was left with questions and uncertainties – yet she finds herself able to respond to the interruption with obedience and trust because she knows who she is and who she serves.
