Tomorrow the universal church observes the Annunciation of Mary: the day Mary received the news that she would bear the Son of God.
As I’ve mentioned before, I didn’t grow up observing the church calendar, but I find it refreshing to remember biblical events on days that I wouldn’t otherwise think about them. Following a church calendar helps me remember what God did in the past, and it helps me number my own days, remembering what God has done in my own life.
I’ve always found Mary’s reaction a little surprising. When the angel tells her that she, a virgin, will be impregnated by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the very Son of God, she responds with complete surrender and obedience.
I would have reacted differently.
Shock.
Fear.
Pride.
Doubt.
But Mary responded like this:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
~Luke 1:38
Mary gave up her own dreams for the future—possibly a quiet life in a small village with a good husband and well-behaved children—and wholeheartedly embraced God’s call on her life.
Mary understood what a life of self-denial looks like. She remained unwavering in her obedience and her faith, joyfully facing even the possibility of death.
That’s the kind self-denial God calls us to because it’s the life Jesus Himself lived (see Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus became obedient even to death and He calls us to die to ourselves, too:
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
~Mark 8:34
This isn’t self-denial obedience like giving up sugar or Facebook or bad things I shouldn’t do.
Self-denial is looking at myself and saying, “I’m a dead person. It’s not about me. I deny me.” I come to the cross and say, “Not me. You!!” I become small so that He will become great.
Self-denial is when my life becomes all about Jesus, not about me.
Self-denial is a humble life of service watching for opportunities to serve others in meekness, gentleness, and humility, as Jesus did.
Self-denial is quieting my spirit to listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading, so I’m not too busy to do as He bids.
Self-denial is responding to a startling mind-boggling request with, “Here am I. May it be to me as the Lord commands.”
Self-denial is rejoicing in the opportunity to make my life count not just for a few days, but for all of history and eternity.
When God asked Mary to do the unthinkable and become the mother of the Son of God, she responded with obedience and exhibited self-denial that lasted not just 40 days but her entire life.
This is the Lenten lesson we learn from Mary. The life of quiet obedience and joyful self-denial.
Now It’s Your Turn
What have you been learning in your Lenten journey? How have you obeyed God recently in a wild way? Share with me in the comments below.