Simple Obedience

We all know what party favors are - those neat-treats we get to take home with us. One definition of the word "favor" is "a gracious, friendly, or obliging act that is freely granted." The word is perhaps too casually used these days but know this: it is extremely significant to be favored by God! The angel greeted Mary in this way: "Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women." (Luke 1:28, AMP). Of all the young women in Nazareth, why Mary - she must have wondered the same thing! May I suggest we find the best answer a few verses later: "Then Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.'" (V.39). Mary's humble and submissive heart to God was key to the gracious favor of Almighty God. It is a foolish notion that God's children can expect to receive His favor apart from humble obedience. Jesus could not have been clearer: "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15, ESV). As a mother, nothing made me prouder nor brought me more joy than when my boys just simply obeyed. Simple obedience - that is what Mary offered; God knew her heart and that her obedience would serve His purpose in bringing The Savior into the world. Elizabeth affirmed God's choice as she [too] greeted Mary, "Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb!" (V.42). What is the simple thing God is asking of you today? You can answer Him best by ... simple obedience.