MONDAY, JANUARY 8
Luke 1:34-38
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“…For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body…”

THE CONCEPTION FULFILLED

Mary thought it was impossible for her, a virgin, to conceive, but the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Highest overshadowed her. Mary surrendered quietly to the words of the angel. Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement is very exemplary, reflecting the kind of woman she was. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). A handmaid depicts a slave, one who is, under all conditions and in all situations, subject to her master. She understood the power and sovereignty of God over her.

Mary conceived Jesus by God’s supernatural power. The baby was implanted in her womb not by the power of man but of God. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). The power of God is beyond man’s comprehension. Calvin said that God, “in performing miracles, withholds from us the manner of his proceedings, so what he chooses to conceal from us ought to be viewed, on our part, with seriousness and adoration.”

Although Jesus was manifested as the Son of God in the flesh, it did not negate Him being the Word begotten of the Father before the ages. On the contrary, He who is the Son of God in His eternal Godhead, appeared also as the Son of God in human flesh. He is the God-man, the second person of the Holy Trinity.

Man must realize his subjection to God’s authority and obey His words. Above all, Christians must acknowledge the Lord’s redemptive work. “… ye are not your own … For ye are bought with a price…” (1 Cor 6:19- 20). We must be more than willing to submit to His will. Just as Mary humbled herself to obey all that God wanted her to do, we must also obey every command He has for us.

THOUGHT: Am I submissive and obedient to the Word of God?
PRAYER: Father in heaven, please use my body to glorify and honour Thee. Let me be willing to submit to Thy holy will. Help me live a holy life, and be a worthy vessel to bring others to know my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.