Respond to the Greatness of God

Respond to the Greatness of God

For it is the Name of GOD I proclaim—respond to the greatness of our God!” (Deuteronomy 32:3)

How do you respond when God’s word is preached? Do you respond like Mary—with faith and surrender—or like Zachariah, weighed down by doubt and natural limitations? Our text calls us to a higher response: not to circumstances, not to logic alone, but to the greatness of our God.

Scripture is filled with varied reactions to God’s word. One of the clearest contrasts is found in the responses of Mary and Zachariah to messages that, humanly speaking, seemed impossible.


After the angel’s announcement, Mary responded with humility and faith:“

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”(Luke 1:38, KJV)

The Message Bible renders it beautifully:“

And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.”( Luke 1:38, MSG)

Mary’s words are striking: “Yes, I see it all now.” Sight preceded surrender. Because she could see beyond the natural to God’s power, she could respond in faith. If you do not see as God sees, you cannot respond as Mary did.

Zachariah, however, heard a similar promise but responded differently:“

Zachariah said to the angel, ‘Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.’”( Luke 1:18)


The message was the same—divine intervention in an impossible situation—but the responses were worlds apart. One focused on God’s greatness; the other focused on human limitation.

Our text urges us to respond, not to the difficulty of our situation, but to the greatness of our God. To do this, we must learn to see as God sees, just as Mary did: “Yes, I see it all now.” And seeing as God sees comes from mixing the Word we hear with faith.“

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”( Hebrews 4:2)

May we be a people who respond in faith, humility, and obedience—always responding to the greatness of our God.

Brief Reflection

God’s Word always carries power, but its impact depends on our response. Like Mary, we are called to see beyond circumstances and respond in faith, not doubt. When we choose to focus on the greatness of God rather than the difficulty of our situation, the Word produces life and fulfillment in us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that is living and true. Help us to respond with faith and obedience. Open our eyes to see as You see and give us hearts that trust in Your greatness. May our response always be, “Let it be unto me according to Your Word.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift) 

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