A few weeks ago I wanted to write a blog post having to do with Mary (Jesus's mother!)...the reason for the reason for the season. (in a literal, biological sense. its catchy huh? haha. actually that saying rhymes too much for me) Well I wanted to do this Mary post at the appropriate time, Christmas, but I lost track of my mind. Since I am stubborn, I have decided to still write about Mary because I want to. Also, Mary's story and the lessons learned from her experiences are not just appropriate at Christmas time.
First off...have you ever thought about how crazy it would be to have a baby without ever having sex?? I mean I hate to get all sex talk on ya but...when a man loves a woman and that woman loves the man they.....you get it. Can you imagine being Mary's age (teenie bopper) and having to explain to your parents that the Holy Spirit impregnated you?? I mean really? Seriously though, I would have politely replied to the angel that came in the night, "um, no thanks angel. I really don't want to carry God's baby. I'm good. I'm busy, I have plans this weekend, and there is this cute guy I like and I don't want him to think I am a harlot. I just really want to live an average life and mind my own business. Go find someone else." That is not how Mary replied though. Amazing.
The Bible does say that Mary was "confused and disturbed" (Luke 1:29) trying to figure out how this was possible. It totally blew her mind. Yeah, Mary...me too. However, the difference between her reaction and mine was she replied "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." (Luke 1:38). ummmm wow. Mary accepted the ultimate challenge from God. A few verses down from the angel scene (Luke) is one of my favorite passages from the entire Bible. Mary's song of praise. It goes a little something like this:
"Oh how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever."
Luke 1:46-55
I know its a long passage but everytime I read it and put it into context, I am simply amazed. Mary had recently been told that she was to carry a baby that was not her own. She would carry a stigma. People would inevitably talk about her. People would stare. People would laugh at her and mock her. She might lose her fiance, Joseph. These were just the immediate consequences of her decision to accept God's challenge. The biggest long term consequence as a mother would be to watch your son die. Never being a mother, I cannot imagine the pain she felt watching her son being mocked and murdered. Yes, her son became the Savior of the world but before that she watched him hang and die a slow, painful death. I just cannot imagine that. What a sacrifice Mary made. I would not have been excited and joyful as Mary was. I would not turn my fears into praise. How impossible that seems.
Although there were serious pains and consequences, she was also infinitely blessed for following the Lord. Elizabeth (John the Baptist's mama), put it best, "Mary, you are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." (Luke 1:45) Mary believed the Lord, followed the Lord and most of all, trusted the Lord. She did not understand God's will or his plan but she trusted that He was good. Mary trusted that his will was divine.
This story always allows for some inner reflection into my own decisions and challenges. How willing am I to do whatever it takes to follow the Lord? If God sent an angel to me tonight (HOW COOOOL!), asking me to do this crazy task in order to live out his will for my life, what would I do? Am I excited and joyful about what he has planned, even if it means a tough journey? I want to be. I want to live out my ultimate purpose in this world.
The crazy thing is, our purposes are just as important as Mary's purpose. We all have a part in our Mighty Father's awesome, sovreign plan. I am ready and willing to answer the high calling of the Lord. Even if it means being ridiculed, made fun of or talked about like Mary was. Even if it means bearing the weight of the world. Its all possible with Christ. We aren't alone in it, thats for sure.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
psalm 37:57
Happy New Year my peeps! Love you all.
p.s. Speaking of babies, I am going to be an AUNT!!! What a beautiful gift. I am so excited! (obviously) Please keep Lauren, Josh, and precious baby-to-be in your prayers! I am praying every day not only for health and happiness but I am praying that little baby will know the love of our heavenly father. This baby is already loved by me but mostly by our Lord. He already knows and infintely loves little baby more than any of us could. :)
Some people have told me it is hard for them to comment. If you would like to comment, comment as 'anonymous' option and if you want, leave your name in the comment. Thanks for reading!
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