"Lessons from Mary: A Mother's Surrender"

Call to Worship  

Come and hear, all you who fear God, and we will tell what God has done for us. God is the Sovereign of heaven and earth, maker of this world and all within it. God has given to all mortals life and breath and every blessing. Bless our God, O peoples! Let the sound of God’s praise be heard. Blessed be God! Blessed be God! Blessed be God!

Opening Prayer

Source of all creation, maker of the world and everything in it, you are never far from each one of us. We come into your house seeking you, O giver of life and breath. Reveal yourself to us; dwell with us; and abide in us. We live because of you. We hope because of you. In the name of Jesus Christ in whom we live, and the Spirit of Truth who abides in us, amen.

Invitation to the Offering (Acts 17, 1 Peter 3)

We want to give you an opportunity to give back to God a portion of what He has blessed us with. Your financial support enables us to continue spreading the message of hope and salvation to the world. As you give today, remember Mary's example of humble submission to God's will. Just as she surrendered her life to God's plan, let us also surrender our resources to further His kingdom. You can give through the offering plate passed around or through our online platform Givelify. Let's pray together as we prepare to give.

Prayer Lord of wondrous light and power, we come to you this day to learn of your will for our lives. Heal our wounds; lift our spirits; give us courage and confidence to boldly serve you in all that we do. AMEN.

Luke 1:26-38 New International Version The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

I. Introduction

Mary, who was heavily pregnant, accompanied Joseph on this journey to Bethlehem. This would have been a difficult and dangerous journey, as they would have had to travel through rough terrain and face the threat of robbers and other dangers. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they found that there was no room at the inn, and they were forced to take refuge in a stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Mary, also known as the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the mother of Jesus Christ. She was a Jewish woman from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph when she received a visit from the angel Gabriel. The angel told her that she had been chosen by God to bear a son who would be the Savior of the world.

Mary humbly accepted this calling and gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem. Throughout her life, Mary was a faithful disciple of Jesus, and she witnessed many of his miracles and teachings. She stood by him during his crucifixion and was present with the other disciples at the Pentecost. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one such example, as she demonstrated complete surrender to God's plan for her life and the life of her child.

Mothers are portrayed as nurturers, protectors, and providers for their children. They are often seen as models of faith, courage, and strength.

Thesis statement: Mary's story teaches us valuable lessons about surrendering to God's will as a mother.

I. Humility and submission to God's will-Luke 1:38 "And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; Mary, despite the incredible magnitude of this news, responds with humility and submission to God's will. She refers to herself as a "servant of the Lord," acknowledging her role as a humble servant of God.

The term "servant of the Lord" is used to describe individuals who have been specifically chosen and called by God to carry out his will. It is a term of great honor and signifies a deep level of commitment and dedication to God's purposes.

We are called to submit our wills to God's will, trusting that he has a plan and a purpose for our lives. This requires humility, which involves recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and submitting ourselves to God's guidance and direction. By doing so, we can experience the peace and joy that come from knowing we are living in accordance with God's plan for our lives.

I. Humility and submission to God's will

II. Surrendering to God's will as a mother

Luke 1:38 "let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."

Mary's response is an example of her faith and trust in God, as she willingly surrenders herself to God's plan for her life, even though it will be difficult and will bring her ridicule and persecution. Her statement, "let it be to me according to your word," demonstrates her complete trust in God and His plan.

Mary's willingness to surrender to God's will is a model for all Christians, and especially for mothers. Like Mary, mothers are called to trust in God's plan for their lives and the lives of their children, even when it is difficult or challenging. They are called to serve God and others with humility and selflessness, putting their own desires and ambitions aside for the sake of their families and communities.

In this way, Mary's example provides inspiration and encouragement for all mothers who seek to follow God's plan for their lives and the lives of their children. By surrendering to God's will with humility and trust, they can fulfill their divine calling as mothers and raise up the next generation of faithful servants of God.

As mothers, we often feel the need to control every aspect of our children's lives. We want to protect them from harm and make sure they have the best opportunities. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is to let go of our own plans and trust that God has a greater plan for our children.

In Conclusion,

Mary's story teaches us valuable lessons about surrendering to God's will as a mother. As parents, it is natural to want the best for our children and to have a desire to control their lives to ensure their well-being. However, it is important to remember that ultimately, God is in control and has a plan for their lives that may not necessarily align with our own desires. Surrendering our children's lives to God means trusting in His plan for them, even when it may not make sense to us. It means letting go of our need to control and instead relying on God's wisdom and guidance to direct their paths.

This does not mean that we should neglect our responsibilities as parents or stop striving to provide for and protect our children. Rather, it means recognizing that ultimately, their lives are in God's hands and trusting in His sovereignty.

Just as Mary surrendered her own plans and desires for her son to God's will, we too must be willing to let go of control and trust in God's plan for our children's lives.

As mothers, we can learn valuable lessons from Mary's story about surrendering to God's will, having faith in His promises, and persevering in obedience.

Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light. So, boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps. 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now— For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Benediction

May the God who called Mary to be the mother of Jesus, continue to guide you and direct your path. May you also have the same humility and submission to His will, and may He use you mightily for His glory. May His peace and grace be with you always. Amen.