Have you ever really thought about what it would have been like to be Mary? Can you even imagine actually having God-incarnate inside of your womb? Could you dare to comprehend raising and caring for the one who would redeem the world with His very life and resurrection? The weight of this concept is so enormous, yet its practical implications yield an equal burden. From the time that she held the infant boy in her arms to the days when he accompanied her throughout town as a grown man, she received sideward scowls and judgmental glances from the townspeople. No one else prior to or after Mary had ever been "divinely impregnated," so adultery was the only logical conclusion. She received the news directly from an angel; the others had not. Joseph probably received similar treatment. His character was tainted in the eyes of his friends and family because he refused to divorce his unfaithful wife. And eventually this family would have to flee the country to escape the murderous King Herod. Was the task of raising Emmanuel so glorious after all?
This couple was certainly endowed a privilege and responsibility of the greatest proportions. They were hand-picked by the God of the universe to care for His only son. But this was no walk in the park. Mary and Joseph encountered angels, yet they were helpless to make the others believe their story. It was illogical in every way. They were thrust into a circumstance that they had no power to change... yet Mary's response is captivating:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
For the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
Remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,
Even as he said to our fathers."
(Luke 1:46-55)
No hint of remorse. No complaints. No questions of "Why me?" or "Couldn't you have picked someone else?" Instead, Mary's heart is, at its core, a worshipping one. She uses this situation to bring about the glory of the One who had chosen her to be a part of His grand story. She speaks of a God of mercy, might, and goodness. Mary and Joseph were selected to be a part of this scene in God's masterfully composed redemption story. He did not need them, yet He chose them. Their response is of the utmost importance to us.
Mary and Joseph's involvement with the life of our Savior was not necessarily a case of suffering, but it was not easy by any means. Even still, they portray the same faith in the big picture that men like Job and the Apostle Paul did. They model for us the great reminder that we are not in control of what happens to us; we are responsible for how we react, with the end goal being Christ's glory. Imagine how different the world would look if we were like-minded with Mary and Joseph in our approach to life's twists and turns.
Submission to the Father's story at the expense of your own comfort (or even safety) is no small thing. But if I could ask Mary if it was all worth it, I have a sneaking suspicion she'd say "yes."
So grateful for her example,
MH
(Luke 1:46-55)
No hint of remorse. No complaints. No questions of "Why me?" or "Couldn't you have picked someone else?" Instead, Mary's heart is, at its core, a worshipping one. She uses this situation to bring about the glory of the One who had chosen her to be a part of His grand story. She speaks of a God of mercy, might, and goodness. Mary and Joseph were selected to be a part of this scene in God's masterfully composed redemption story. He did not need them, yet He chose them. Their response is of the utmost importance to us.
Mary and Joseph's involvement with the life of our Savior was not necessarily a case of suffering, but it was not easy by any means. Even still, they portray the same faith in the big picture that men like Job and the Apostle Paul did. They model for us the great reminder that we are not in control of what happens to us; we are responsible for how we react, with the end goal being Christ's glory. Imagine how different the world would look if we were like-minded with Mary and Joseph in our approach to life's twists and turns.
Submission to the Father's story at the expense of your own comfort (or even safety) is no small thing. But if I could ask Mary if it was all worth it, I have a sneaking suspicion she'd say "yes."
So grateful for her example,
MH
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