December 8, 1999
LIFE & WORK:
What about years of
Mary's life after the miracle?
___Luke 1:26-56; 2:33-40
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT, Dallas
___Volumes have been written on the implications of Mary's being unmarried yet "with child" (Luke 1:31). She must have considered the impact it would have on her fiancee and her family--not to mention her synagogue.
___It is remarkable that she was submissive to the Lord's will in light of the personal risk. Yet she said, "I am the Lord's servant" (vs. 38). She trusted the Lord, counting the cost.
___The Father had planned that through his Spirit a virgin would give birth to his Son and the incarnate form of the Trinity would visit the earth. This was the role Mary was to play in his redemptive plan.
___How has the Lord sought to involve you in his plan for redeeming mankind? We like to think that if God called us to perform work for the kingdom, we would say, "Yes, I am your servant, Lord." But would we? Have we?
___The beginning of her story is miraculous, but what about the next 32 years? What had God actually asked her to do? He asked her to cook, clean and clothe, bandage cuts and play games, sing, sew and shop, tell stories and give hugs.
___God was asking her to perform a very natural function for many women--to be a mother. Jesus obviously was an unusual child, but her days were filled with very routine activities.
___As is the case so often with us, the task itself did not seem to carry unusual significance, but to do it well she would need the Lord's help. Most of the time, the part he asks for us to play in his redemptive plan may seem pretty insignificant. Occasionally, he asks people to change vocations or leave their homes. Some tasks are accompanied by personal risk.
___Has he spoken to you in this way? How did you respond?
___Obviously, Mary's trust in the Lord was well-founded. She and Joseph were married. History does not record that their family was isolated or Joseph's trade hindered due to the unusual birth. There were undoubtedly numerous blessings throughout their lives as a result of her willing servanthood. Her visit with Elizabeth and the prophecies of Simeon and Anna noted in this passage are glimpses of how the Lord spoke to her heart with signs of encouragement and affirmation.
___The Lord chose Mary because she had "found favor with God" (vs. 30). She had been found faithful already.
___When asked to be involved in leadership in the church, is the task more difficult than what God can do through us? When we are challenged to share our faith with a neighbor or a friend at work, is the personal risk too great? When decisions must be made that shift priorities from biblical standards, is God not trustworthy?
___When you look at the babe in the manger this season, notice also his mother. All generations have called her blessed (vs. 48).
___Will you be his willing servant?
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