Yes To God

I recently read a reflection from Abbie Jane Wells who wrote, “Paul as well as Clinton Marsh and just about everybody else tends to forget that it took a “yes” from Mary before God could “sent forth his Son”. This raised an interesting perspective I had not thought of before. Before I share that angle with you let us look at the scriptural text that tells us of the coming birth of Jesus.

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of the angel Gabriel coming to Nazareth to the virgin Mary bringing greetings and a message from God, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” Mary’s response to this was ultimately, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Initially, Mary questions how she can give birth since she is a virgin. The revelation by the angel troubles her. To be known by a man other than her husband would cause great scandal – she is betrothed to Joseph. In those days a betrothal was almost as binding and committing as the marriage itself. She could be divorced, ostracized and worse—stoned to death for her unfaithfulness. The angel reassures her that the Holy Spirit is active and involved and through the power of God all things are possible. Mary’s amazement turns to faith and acceptance as she gives herself over to God.

Yet, what if she said no? What would the history of our church, our religion, and indeed our world look like if Mary had said no to the angel somehow refusing this gift from God? At first blush we might look and say Mary could never say no – it just isn’t possible. But I would argue that all humanity has been endowed, for better or worse, with free will. All persons have the ability to accept God and all the gifts and grace that come along with it or to reject all that God offers. History shows rejection to be the more common answer given rather than that of acceptance and compliance.

The Israelites rejected God time and time again, not only throughout the Exodus of Egypt but even as their nation was formed and they settled the promised lands across the Jordan River. Throughout the centuries we have continually turned away from God – the Crusades, the world wars, genocide in parts of our world, atrocities against the Jewish nation ... On a personal level we stop praying, we stop tithing, we stop attending church, and perhaps we just stop caring. So, the reality is that we do say no.

Because we have free will we can say no; yet, because of God’s great and endless love God never gives up on us.

Throughout my own life I see a track record of turning away from God. I think of the many times God asked me to talk to a person, to pray for someone, to help shelter or feed someone in need, to give to the church or to attend church services. I think of the many times I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit sending me in a direction I didn’t want to go – so I didn’t. However, once I said yes; once I accepted Christ as my savior and began to follow his teachings God began to work through me, leading me into pastoral ministry where I now serve my church, community and seek ways to reach those disconnected from God.

Is it feasible to say yes to everything God sends my way? I think part of the answer to this question lies in our discernment of what it is God wants us to do.

I must be in prayer with God seeking where and how and what God wants of me in any given situation. At times I believe God says, ‘this is a better task for someone else’. Other times God says, ‘this one is for you’. Regardless, I must be connected with God to hear the answer. When I stop attending church, stop praying, and stop fellowshipping with other Christians I can no longer hear God.

Discernment is vitally important for us as we try to stay in tune with God’s plan. Even Mary paused to discern what God was saying. In Luke 1:29, 34 we see her response: “But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.” “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin.””

Ultimately, we don’t know how many others God may have propositioned throughout the ages. For all we know there may have been others besides Mary. As Abbie Jane Wells states, “as far as we know, Mary was the first to say an unqualified “yes””.

How much good work has been lost because we have said no? What has been lost because we have not said yes? What would God be able to accomplish if we did say yes (indeed, after careful prayer and discernment)? What do you think our world would look like if more people said yes than no? Now, God’s work will still continue. God’s work will always be accomplished through others who are willing to give of themselves. But, if I don’t allow God to work through me, then what spiritual growth and maturity have I lost? There is both community and personal gain realized when we give ourselves over to God. We are the feet and hands of Christ continuing the ministry and mission he began long, long ago. How do you respond to God’s call?