Mary - Part One

So often I forget that she was real. She was human. She had emotions. She had feelings. She was a living being that walked this earth just like you and me. She had a mom and dad. She was once a little girl, and probably was still quite young when her life was changed forever. She grew weary, she got tired, she would get sick, and she would feel fear, pain, hurt, heartache, and joy. She wept. She carried the burdens of life. She knelt on her knees and prayed to God, having faith in Him that His promise would come to pass. She hid His word in her heart. She battled sin; she battled life. Yet, the character that is depicted within the pages of the New Testament shines light on a woman who, despite being every bit human, facing all the temptations and struggles that you and I face, she was one full of faith, obedience, love, joy, assertiveness, humbleness, and was devoted. She was noted as the one who "...found favour with God." (Luke 1:30) and was given the amazing responsibility and blessing from God - to birth Jesus Christ. This could be written without ever mentioning her name because of the legacy and the story that she is cast a key role in. Her mother wrapped her in a blanket and her father named her Mary all those years ago, not knowing that their little girl would grow up to be the one God chose to bring His promise to pass.

I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to be visited by an angel, but that was exactly what happened to Mary. And in that moment’s happenings, her life was changed forever. Was Gabriel’s presence enough to catch her attention? Did he gently nudge her? Did he call her name?  However he may have captured her attention, she was not afraid of him, but more so amused by his presence. I wonder if in the midst of their conversing if she realized that it was the beginning of the fulfilling of the promise that the world had been waiting for - the promise that she had clung to since she understood its capacity and meaning? There must have been a silence that swept over heaven and earth as the glory realm held their breath in that life-changing moment as Gabriel finally began to unfold the task God had appointed to her. The task that He knew she would accept. She was faithful. He chose her for that reason. She had found favor in His sight.

The world must have screeched to a dead halt for Mary. She probably fought to stabilize herself as he told her that she had been chosen by God to carry His Son - the Chosen One, the Redeemer, the Salvation of the World - in HER WOMB. She had found favor in God's eyes, the Lord was with her, and she was blessed among women. With trembling hands and confusion building its stronghold in her airway, I’m sure she tried to steady her breathing as she listened to the details the Gabriel relayed to her - the name of the child, the Father of the child, the purpose of the child. I’m sure it took all the strength in her to keep her feet planted firmly on the ground. Maybe Gabriel held her in place. I can’t imagine how I would have accepted such an assignment. It was impossible. There was no way it could happen. How could it be so? I’m sure Mary’s confusion and lack of understanding was not contained to her heart, but showed on her expression as Gabriel continued with his message that had been ordained from above. Mary being human, being a sinner in need of a savior, being every bit vulnerable to temptation and failure, could have refused and said there was no way she was going to do this. She knew the dishonor that would befall not just her, but her entire family. She would be rejected, despised, and ousted. She was espoused to Joseph - she could very well lose him because of this. But she was faithful, she was obedient, and she wanted to serve God and follow Him. As Gabriel was finishing his message he slipped in a piece of information - Elizabeth’s God ordained pregnancy. One might find that insignificant and unneeded, but God used that piece in a vital way later on.

I wonder if Mary and Gabriel walked along as they were talking, or if all took place in the quietness of a room, or maybe it was in the shadow and covering of the night? It doesn’t say, but as their conversation came to a close, Gabriel must’ve seen the confusion, the fear, the grasping for understanding that was pulsing through Mary, because he offers these parting words of comfort before leaving her, “With God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) It brought no understanding, but pointed her faith and trust to God. I am sure with a voice trembling due to lack of understanding, but a voice made audible and possible because of faith and trust in her God, she was able to murmur her words of obedience and acceptance of the task appointed to her, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38).

Oh to be like Mary! To be one that God has watched so tenderly and sees the character, the devotion, the faithfulness, the trust, and the willingness that no matter what He asks of us, we simply say “…be it unto me according to thy word.” One that God knows He can assign a task to and it will be accepted and done for His glory and our good.