Profiles In LeadershipIsampula

Long before the time of Jesus, God promised to deliver the people of Israel through a Messiah, a chosen one who would destroy the enemies of God’s people and reestablish their nation.

For hundreds of years,the Israelites held on to God’s promise—waiting with a mixture of anticipation and longing.

Someday, God would bring about the birth of the Messiah.

In Luke chapter 2, we’re introduced to the beginning of the Messiah’s story, at his birth. But before that, we meet his mother, Mary, in chapter 1.

As a young Israelite woman, Mary was pledged to marry Joseph, a carpenter. A family—with children—was in her future.

As a Jew, Mary had to know that, sooner or later, somebody would be chosen as the vessel of God’s very highest purpose. She must have realized that somebody would be most blessed among all women.

But she couldn’t have known that, from the beginning of time, God has His eye on her as the somebody.

He had prepared her for bearing, then rearing, the One who would be the Savior of the world. And yet, this woman of faith responded with alarm when an angel of the Lord told her she had found favor with God and would give birth to the baby Jesus.

“How can this be?” she asked. “I’m a virgin!”

A legitimate question. To which the angel replied, “With God, all things are possible. He has chosen you and honored you as the one to give birth to the Son of God.”

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant! May your word to me be fulfilled.” (1:38)

There may be times when we’re tempted to ask, “How can this be?” or wonder how God could do something through us.

Wise leaders will respond the way Mary did: “I am your servant! May it be as you have said!”