Lent Week 3—Friday Annunciation of the Lord
Isiah 7:10-14, Psalm 45, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38
A sign from God! How many times have I prayed for a sign to show me exactly what was right. Here, we read that Ahaz didn’t want a sign. Initially, it seems Ahaz is a pious man who would never tempt the Lord. But as I read deeper into it, it had nothing to do with piety and more to do with Ahaz’s inability or fear to do God’s will. If he sees a sign he doesn’t like, he doesn’t want to feel obligated to obey. How worldly. Yet in Luke, we see the angel Gabriel come to Mary and tell her she will have a son. Though she is betrothed to Joseph, they have not married, and Mary knows that in Jewish customs adultery can lead to a death penalty.
Yet Mary innately knew she is “the Lord’s servant” and Gabriel’s word to her must be fulfilled. She trusts in the Lord to not fear but submit to His will. While moving into Hebrews Chapter 10, we read “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body You prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, my God.” Jesus knew that sacrifices and offerings of animals merely covered sins, they did not wash them away. He had to follow God’s will. I never need to hope for that ever-elusive sign. I can still myself and listen…and deny myself and submit to His will. Then I can make the sign of the cross He has given me. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Lauren Ewing
The Carpenter's Nail 