Before we say goodbye to the month of May this year, I would like to look back on a woman in the Bible who was a mother, indeed the mother of our Lord. As the month of May contains a day to honor mothers, let us look back at the life of Mary and her faithfulness to God. Mary is not to be exalted, as one large religious group exalts her, but we can let her life inspire us to "be faithful unto death."
First of all, Mary was a favored woman: And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women” (Luke 1:28, NKJV). This meant that she was the object of grace, not that she was full of grace, as some say. God showed her favor by choosing her to be the mother of the Messiah. God also shows favor to us, having chosen before he made the world, that those who would choose to obey the gospel and remain faithful will be saved from the wrath to come (cf. Ephesians 1:4).
Secondly, Mary was a faithful woman: Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:38). Her reaction to this news, which must have seemed overwhelming, was one of faithful submission. She did not exhibit the doubtful attitude of Zacharias, when he heard from the same angel that his wife would bear a son in her old age. In addition, Mary did not object or refuse this great responsibility but gave herself up to the will of God.
Mary was also a flawed woman: "And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:47). She admits in this text that she needed a Savior. She was not sinless but was like the rest of us who have fallen short (Romans 3:23). Therefore, Christ became her mediator just like he became ours, and there is only one mediator, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
Mary was a forbearing woman: Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34,35). Her son would have dreadful enemies. She would have to live with this prophecy for the next thirty odd years. One of the greatest fears of a mother is to see her children suffer. Mary did, and she was there by her son at his darkest hour (John 19:25-27).
Finally, Mary was a family woman: These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers (Acts 1:14). Because of what Jesus did, she would now be of the family of God. Mary is not mentioned again in the New Testament after this text, but I believe it is reasonable to conclude that she was an active member in this family for the rest of her life.
Mary is an example of faithfulness for us. Her life teaches us that faith is saying "yes" when you do not completely understand. Faith is saying "yes" to a total submission to God's will. Faith is saying "yes" to the Savior and "no" to sin. Faith is saying "yes" even when the way is difficult. Faith is saying "yes" to a lifetime devoted to the church of Christ. Brotherly, Jamie
