The Annunciation of Our Lord
Hebrews 10:4-10
4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body you have prepared for me;
6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’
(in the scroll of the book it is written of me).”
8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10 And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
“… 7 Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ …”
When the angel Gabriel came to visit Mary, her response to his announcement that she would bear the Son of God was submission. “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” In other words, I am willing to do your will, O God.”
When God calls the prophets Samuel, Isaiah and Jeremiah, their response is similar. God calls and they respond affirmatively. Jesus answers in the same way. The Father calls and sends the Son to suffer and die on the cross for the sake of the world. We do not know Jesus’ inward thought patterns or considerations. What we do know is that Jesus fulfills the will of the Father.
I’ve talked to many people over the years who were seeking to know the will of God for their lives. In every case, they sought that will through prayer, Scriptures, conversation, meditation, worship, and communion with others. For most, that process took much time and effort. In the end, what I discovered was that, for many, when that will was finally discerned, it was not what was anticipated or expected. For some, it was antithetical to who they thought themselves to be.
This, of course, raises the question: Will you follow the will of the Lord or not? For some, the answer is a tentative but firm “no”. For others, the affirmation sounds something like Mary’s response to Gabriel.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, give me the strength to answer when You call: “I have come to do your will, O God.” Amen.