For the next three weeks, lets walk down the hall of fame of names, places and events of the story that began the 'greatest story' of all time. The birth of Christ began the world changing event that not only brought the peace of God but gave us a bridge to cross over into the Kingdom of God. We begin today with Mary!
"In the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth; to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." Luke 1;26-27
Mary was very young when she became betrothed to Joseph, who was much older than she was. Maybe she was 14 with Joseph perhaps around 30. Just like a young woman, her head was filled with plans for her trousseau and what will her husband be like after they were married. Being engaged was almost like being married in those days and sometimes the bride to be, even moved into the husband's home. She probably thought about her new home and especially about children because as a Jewish woman it was important to have children. Even if she had remained in her father's home, she was now under the rule of her father and her husband.
She was a alone when she met Gabriel. He told her the most ridiculous thing. God had chosen her to bear His child? What does that mean? How can this be? Her heart began to race and the palms of her hands began to perspire. What was she to do? What about Joseph? She had so many questions and no one to talk to! Gabriel assured her that God would take care of everything. Finally Mary said; "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38a
Mary's heart was full! Everything that the Angel had told her had come to pass and so she continued to put her trust in God and to lean upon her new husband for strength and continued support. Mary had no one to talk to about what had happened and so she would ponder these things in her heart. But fortunately, according to the Angel, her cousin who lived about 60 miles away, was also pregnant, even in her old age. What a comforting thought!
Our God never does anything halfway. He has a plan and He works His plan, according to how He sees it. "Behold a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14b Mary had heard the stories about God's plan to send a Savior. Mary probably wondered at the time of first hearing that; "could it be me!" Mary as well as many other young girls raised in a Jewish home looked for the Messiah! But when it happened, she couldn't believe what she saw, what she heard and what was being demanded of her.
"Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty." 1 Timothy 2:15 Here Paul explains in verse 14 that woman was the one to be deceived and not Adam and therefore her transgressions needed to be dealt with differently. We have Eve to thank for our life but it is thru Mary that women are saved thru childbirth. Our salvation would come through a long line of women who would give birth. Eventually the chosen one, Mary, would give birth to the Savior. The Messiah! The Son of God!
What was God's plan for Mary? "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus." Luke 1:31 She was to have His child! Why Mary? "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Luke 1:30b Obviously there was more to Mary than her arranged marriage to Joseph!
What were some of the risks Mary faced in yielding her body to God to accomplish His plan? She was a virgin and yet pregnant and could be stoned. She would be ridiculed! It would hurt Joseph.
Are we to be responsible to understand everything that God asks of us before we obey him? No! We are to; "Trust in the Lord with all our heart, and do not rely on our own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 How did God reward Mary? She and Joseph were married quietly and no one was the wiser. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/11/09
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