Ears to Hear and Faith to Submit

Today’s Old Testament reading comes from the book of Samuel. In this reading, we gain insight not only into God’s relationship with King David, but also into God’s plan for what He calls David’s “family.” Through the prophet, Nathan, David learns that God will raise up his offspring and establish his kingdom which will have no end. We know that God was referring to Jesus, but David did not. After hearing all that God revealed to him, David prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me so far?” My favorite part of David’s prayer is when he thanks God for revealing his plan to him. Even though David has no idea what lays in store for his “offspring,” he trusts in the word of God that “the house of God’s servant will be blessed forever.” God’s word gives David courage and peace. David has a close relationship with God. He prays often and is humble before God. He listens to His word, and even though David does not fully understand what God is revealing to him, he is comforted by God’s presence in his life.

I often pray that I can recognize God’s word in my life. Sometimes, it is hard to focus on what God is telling me. Sometimes I let my busy life be an excuse for why I can’t hear Him. However, if I would just slow down and listen, my busy life would not seem so overwhelming. Like David, I too would find peace and courage in the fact that God is here to look out for me and my family. It is so important to put our relationship with God first in our lives.

In Luke’s gospel, Mary is surprised by Gabriel the Archangel’s greeting. He says, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s greeting. “Do not be afraid,” he says, “you have found favor with God.” Mary was a woman of great faith, but even she must have been shaken by these words. Upon hearing God’s plan for her, that she would bear a child who would be “the Son of the Most High,” she too was humbled like King David. But, despite her fear and uncertainty, Mary agreed to become the mother of Jesus. “I am the handmaiden of the Lord,” she said. “Let it be done to me as you have said.”

The faith and trust that Mary had in God was immense. In order to agree to such a thing, she had to put her life in God’s hands. Yet we are only asked to have faith the size of a mustard seed, and if we do, we can move mountains. Dear Lord, let us have ears to hear your plan and faith to submit to your plan for us all.

- AAB