I think beyond a doubt, the most famous mother, and probably woman, in history is Mary the mother of Jesus. I want us to look at the characteristics of the woman that God chose to raise His son. As we look at Mary we will see that she is a wonderful example of a mom, a woman, and a follower of God. We find her story in Luke 1:26-38. Twice in this Bible passage Gabriel told Mary that she was ‘highly favored’ by God. What was there about Mary that had so caught the Creator’s attention?
MARY WAS ‘HIGHLY FAVORED’ BECAUSE SHE HAD THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE
When Gabriel tapped her on the shoulders that day Mary was greatly troubled. She was no doubt a little on edge having an angel speak to her, and the message Gabriel brought her was a very troubling one. After all, she was engaged at the time to Joseph.
Therefore, as this “unique” pregnancy was presented Mary faced many troubling possibilities; rejection by Joseph, the task of raising her child alone (in a culture hostile to women), in addition she jeopardized her reputation in Nazareth should any of her neighbors find out. She even risked her very life should she be accused of unfaithfulness against Joseph. All of this no doubt troubled Mary.
Not to mention the fact that Mary could have felt insecure, unworthy and insufficient for this great task of being the mother of God the Son, the Savior of the world.
Mary could have said; “Lord I’m just a girl I’m not ready to be a mother, I’m not wealthy, I’m not educated – I’m not worthy of this maybe it would be better if you got someone else.” That’s not what Mary said is it, no she said, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be as you have said…”
Mary had the right perspective; She knew who God was (The Lord Almighty) – and who she was, His servant. Mary was God’s servant and she knew that nothing was impossible for her God – if God said it, Mary knew that it would happen, and even if she didn’t really understand the hows – Mary would go along with it because she was God’s servant.
MARY WAS ‘HIGHLY FAVORED’ BECAUSE SHE HAD A SOLID FOUNDATION
Now how do we know that Mary had a solid foundation? She knew the scriptures. When she met Elizabeth, she praised God. Her words are recorded in Luke 1:46-55. This is filled with truths from the Old Testament: Exodus, Psalms & Isaiah. Mary knew “the Word” and she went beyond that and was one who enthusiastically and unashamedly praised her God.
She recognized that God is The Mighty One, that He is holy and that His mercy reaches out to those who fear Him, filling the hungry with good things. Mary’s solid foundation is an example to all of us today.
We see an example of this very thing in 2 Timothy 1:5 as Paul writes to his young disciple Timothy; “I have been reminded of you sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded now lives in you also…” Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a solid foundation and they passed that on to Timothy.
How solid is your foundation? Do you understand who God is? Do you have His word hidden in your heart and mind so that it supports & guide you in your life? Do you know his word well enough to pass it on to your children? Do set a good example of one who loves to worship and praise God? Is your home life build on a solid foundation?
May God look on you with favor as He looked upon Mary. If you have the proper perspective and a solid foundation He may present to you an offer of service that goes beyond your wildest dreams. He did this for Mary. And she is not only honored by Her Son, but continues to be an inspiration to followers of God everywhere.
This was part of my Mother’s Day 2016. You can read some of my articles about Mary: An Outstanding Mother, A Few Thoughts About Mary.