Psalm 66, 67, 116, 117 • 1 Samuel 2:1b-10 • Luke 1:26-38
In these verses of Luke, the angel Gabriel visits Mary, a virgin, and tells her that she is to be the mother of the son of God. Gabriel also informs Mary that her relative, Elizabeth, an older woman thought to be barren, was six months pregnant and that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary was young, poor and uneducated woman and there was no reason for her to expect to play such a special role in God’s work on this earth. And yet, there she was, being called to be the centerpiece of a wonderful miracle.
We cannot help but think of how we might respond to such a bizarre suggestion coming from someone purporting to be angel. I know that my own instinct would be to tell Gabriel that I would get back to him and to disengage.
But Mary did not hesitate or retreat. Rather, she replied to Gabriel simply that “I am the Lord’s servant” and “may it be as you have said.”
Once Mary said “Yes” to God, her life would never be the same. Think of her embarrassment at being an unmarried pregnant woman engaged to Joseph. Think of her wonder as Jesus grows into his ministry and teaches in the temple at such a young age. Think of her surprise when Jesus works his first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. Think of her profound sadness at the Cross.
We are taught not to make big decisions in life without taking the time to think them through and even to pray about what we are called to do. But, Mary had a true heart for God, a heart prepared to know God’s “voice” when she heard it spoken by Gabriel.
How might we prepare our own hearts to know God’s voice when we hear it and to say “Yes” to His call? We would do well to remember the faith, humility and courage of Mary.
Robert C. ‘Clarke’, Jr., Heidrick
Executive Chair, Board of Trustees
Seminary of the Southwest
Robert C. ‘Clarke’, Jr., Heidrick represents a wide array of businesses in many different types of business transactions. For more than 40 years, he has successfully negotiated commercial leases for tenants and landlords, formed venture capital funds for institutional investors, represented management in various transactions involving employment agreements, separation agreements, and various types of equity and phantom equity compensation arrangements.
He is committed to providing cost effective, high quality legal services with an emphasis on providing practical advice based on a deep understanding of his clients’ business concerns. Through the years he has been named The Best Lawyers in America© Austin Banking and Finance Law Lawyer of the Year, Austin Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year, and Austin Mergers & Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year.
Clarke has been widely recognized in the Austin community, receiving Austinite of the Year in 2014 from the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Pioneer Award, Best volunteer in Texas from the United Way of Texas, and the Byron Cox Community Service Award from Care Communities. He is highly committed to serving the Austin community.
Clarke serves as Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees for Seminary of the Southwest.
The Advent Meditations and Prayers are a gift to our seminary community and are made possible through gifts to our Annual Fund. Seminary of the Southwest appreciates the support of its friends, alumni, and the communities around the world that its graduates serve for the glory of God. This support ensures that Southwest, as an institution made of individuals dedicated to service to God and their fellow members of the body of Christ, can continue doing its part to build the body of Christ.
