Mary knew (4)

How often are we surprised at how Abba carries out His perfect plans?  

Mary didn't know how God's plan would play out.

Relations with Joseph…. awkward. Was Joseph a bit uncomfortable every time he was congratulated on their firstborn?

Relations with parents… weird. Did she tell her parents? Did they choose to keep silent because they needed the dowry (however meager) Joseph would have given in exchange for Mary? Maybe she was a private person and that worked to her benefit. We don’t know. Still, I can’t imagine keeping this secret from her parents, much less her parents being able to believe her. 

The trip to Bethlehem… uncomfortable. On a donkey with a child due?

Giving birth in a dark, damp, smelly, cave… EWWW! I wonder if she cried from heartache that her Lord would be born in such a stinky dingy hole. Did she feel a bit alone, wishing she had an older woman beside her? Was God using this experience to force Joseph and Mary to bond and trust each other more?

The moves they had to make… lonely. Surely she dreamed of keeping house and raising Jesus in the town she was from, but that dream had to wait awhile longer.

When Jesus stayed behind at the Temple… embarrassment and terrifying! What if they lost God’s very Son? Talk about stressful...

Watching Jesus grow in favor with God and man... amazing. 

Hearing the message from her firstborn, “Who is my mother and my brothers…” Shocking, painful.

Watching her son suffer pierced her heart. Had Jesus prepared her for that day? She had pondered the prophesy and struggled with God. Had Jesus prepared her for this moment, as He had tried to prepare His twelve closest friends?

Kneeling at the foot of the cross... weakness. How could she bear it? How hard it must have been to choose to believe YHWH was in this. Surely Abba gave her the strength to endure that day, as He gave Abraham the faith to offer up Isaac.

Abba God, thank You for providing Mary with the strength she needed to survive her life, just as You enabled those mentioned in Hebrews 11. Thank You for promising to help me as well. I’m so glad You are with me, always providing and keeping watch. Thank You for Mary’s example of endurance. Remind me when I feel weak, that You are faithful and help me just as You helped her. Thank You for reminding me that your plan is bigger than me, and I can trust You even when I don't understand. I ask especially that You sustain and comfort those who are grieving during this season. In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1, NASB (click here to read online).
 

Mary knew (3)

“My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;” 

“Nobody special” in her culture, BUT TO GOD, Mary was raised from the status of a poor “nobody” to someone incredible useful in God’s “upper story”, in Israel’s story, and in our story… not because of anything SHE did, mind you! 

“For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.”

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our father, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

 

Mary knew God's character.

 

He is Holy... He is Faithful... He is Merciful. 

Abba God, my soul exalts You, Lord, and my spirit rejoices in Jesus my Savior! Who am I that you would watch over me, and call me to the good works which You planned for me to do such a long time ago? Your kindness and love toward me is more than I can grasp. Thank You for working in Mary’s life, and for reminding me that You are faithful to finish what You’ve begun. I love You and worship You with all my soul, Abba. In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:48-55, NASB (click here to read online).

Mary knew (2)

Up until Gabriel’s visit, Mary probably didn’t have to make many, if any, choices on her own. Now she had a big choice to make. Welcome to the big leagues.

 

Ever feel like your life has been turned upside down by a big decision? Play it safe, or say “Yes” to an Almighty God and jump into the wild unknown, hoping somehow He will provide the path and resources to get through? 

 

Mary knew she had a choice.

 

She chose to put her faith in the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Calling herself a bondslave wasn’t an accident. It meant that she was choosing to remain in service to her master instead of choosing her freedom. She was saying, “I am yours forever, Lord, do as you see fit.”

 

Major faith junctions help define who we will become and impact others. Only Abba knows whose life is changed by my choices - and yours. May He help us chose to always say "YES" to Him.

 

Abba God, thank You for Mary’s example. She chose to trust You. Help me to trust You today – not worrying about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble of its own. Have your way in me, Abba. In Jesus’ name… 

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:26-38, NASB (click here to read online).

 

Mary knew (1)

A young girl goes about her typical daily routines, obedient to her parents and preparing for her marriage to a carpenter. She doesn't know her routine is about to be interrupted in ways she never imagined possible.

 

“Greetings, favored one!”

 

Huh? Who are you? Why are you here? Did I eat some bad mushrooms?

 

“The Lord is with you.”

 

What? This guy –angel or not - must have turned down the wrong street. Surely he doesn't mean to speak with ME...

 

“Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”

 

Ok, so you obviously know my name. Why are you here, exactly? What could possibly be important enough for you to come to me?

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Uh… let me get this straight. You are saying that I will give birth to THE descendant of David? Am I dreaming? Hold on... “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Oh, wow. Elizabeth's expecting? Wow. Wow. Oh. Wow. This is a lot to absorb. YHWH is sending our Messiah! He blessed Elizabeth in her old age! And now He’s chosen to bless me??? “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary knew her life had been changed.

Abba God, thank You for changing Mary’s life forever, for changing Elizabeth’s life, for changing my life. Like Mary, I don’t deserve to have your life-changing favor. You meet me in my routine when I don’t expect You to. You don’t come when I want, but You come when the timing is just right – not just for my benefit, but for others around me. You know how to plants seeds of Truth in my heart, changing the way I think and act. Abba, strengthen the Body of Christ that we would seek You first, bear with one another graciously, and meet needs around us. I can’t live richly unless You continue to change me. I’m so glad You do! In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:26-38, NASB (click here to read online).