There are many cases in the Bible in which God confronts someone and presents them with a task to do, a role to fulfill. Select a king. Free the Israelites from Egypt. Buy a worthless piece of land. And on and on and on. There are many, many examples of God dictating to people what they will do, often despite their objections.
I think it is interesting that in the case of Mary and the role of birthing the Messiah, Mary seems to be given the opportunity to consent. God does not demand that she carry out this task. The angel Gabriel is sent to consult her about this. In the story, she agrees to comply. The implication is that she could also have refused.
Essentially, Mary is given sovereignty over her reproductive rights. She gets to say yes or no to having a child. She gets to make the decision that is right for her by her lights. She is given agency over her body.
And women are still fighting for these same rights today.
Prayer: Help us to respect the rights of all people to make the choices that are right for them and their circumstances. May we especially respect the reproductive rights of women and respect the healthcare rights of women. Amen.
This devotion was prepared by Rev. Kim P. Wells, pastor of Lakewood United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 