In 1968, after a vivid and moving dream about his deceased mother, Paul McCartney put pen to paper for his last song as a member of the Beatles. The song became the title track of the final Beatles album in 1970.
Let it be…
Even as I type these words, the melody and lyrics drift effortlessly across my mind. I was a high school kid at the time. More of a covert than an overt listener to the contemporary tunes of the day, but that’s a story for a different Fragment.
While Paul McCartney and the Beatles made millions off of this inspiration, the most profoundly that these words were uttered were not by a British rock legend.
The Gospel of Luke gives evidence of this…
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:35–38, ESV)
Did you see it? Verse 38, “… let it be to me according to your word.”
Three of the most beautiful, worshipful, honorable, humble and powerful words ever spoken. Not in an act of acquiescence, but faith-filled obedience.
While the questions are still germinating, while the fear is swelling, while the confusion is raw and real… “let it be…”
In three words Mary unpacks her theology, her posture, her submission, her trust, and her love for God.
The answer preceding the question.
A teenager. Just informed that her world will be rocked forever. A young, engaged, poor Jewish girl, shaken to the core.
Could there be a more courageous response? Could any other three words impact history more profoundly and at the same time wash ashore on every human soul?
Let it be…
It’s Jesus in the garden… And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Let it be…
Before a resolution. Before justice. Before comfort. Before the pain leaves. Before my Balance Sheet swells. Before my political party wins. Before I get my say. Before the diagnosis. Before the child returns. Before I meet the perfect someone. Before someone confesses. Before they love back. Before the tears are wiped. Before…
Simply. Beautifully. Reverently. Worshipfully.
Let it be…
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