Say Yes 

   “Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.’” (Luke 1: 38) 

   By her yes to God, Mary became the mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Though she didn’t understand how such a thing could happen to a virgin she trusted that all things are possible with God and answered yes.  She never concerned herself about the consequences of an unmarried woman becoming pregnant.  God asked and she said yes.

   Joseph, to whom Mary was betrothed, at first considered quietly sending Mary away rather than exposing her to the Jewish laws which could have resulted in her being stoned to death..  But when the angel told Joseph not to be afraid, that Mary’s pregnancy was of God, he never hesitated, He took her into his home as his wife.  God asked, Joseph answered yes.

   When Herod sought to kill the infant Jesus, an angel came to Joseph in the night warning him that he must take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt.  Again, Joseph answered yes.  He got up and took his small family into exile, remaining there until told by an angel that it was safe to return..

   The Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, said yes to being born of a virgin, an infant totally dependent upon Mary and Joseph.  He said yes to growing up in obscurity in a relatively unknown village called Nazareth.  He said yes to the rejection of those He came to save, His betrayal by one He had chosen, and the abandonment of the other apostles, left to face the Jewish authorities and Pilate alone.

   Finally, He did not reject the brutality of His scourging, the crown of thorns, or the carrying of the cross.  He said yes to His crucifixion and death on a hillside outside Jerusalem.  He said yes to redeeming those who would be believe in Him, promising them a place in God’s heavenly kingdom.

   Throughout scripture there are many who said yes when God called.  Many suffered for their decision, but they never recanted.  If He were to call me tomorrow I pray that I too will have the faith, love, and courage to say "Yes".