What a beautiful balance of Law and Gospel that the author starts this chapter with!
What does it say about me that I had a sudden urge for chocolate chip cookies;)?
But seriously, I do like the analogy and I've always been taken with the act of lining up the prophecies with their fulfillment found in Jesus. This is one of the amazing attributes of the Bible that is like no other! And I can just picture the Jewish families pouring over these signs and committing them to memory so that when the time comes, they would recognize Jesus for who he really is!
I think this is a great example for Christian families today to follow! We should pour over Scripture as a family, commit his words to memory and hold it dear to our hearts so that we too will be able to recognize truth (or the lack thereof) when it's in front of us.
What thoughts must have run through Mary's mind as the angel Gabriel expanded on the details! I enjoyed the author's take on what may have passed through her thoughts. But even more amazing is Mary's response of acceptance. How I admire her in this!
Nothing is Impossible with God
I think I read this part through about 4 or 5 times. This is an area I tend to struggle with. I pray wholeheartedly the prayer that closes this section: Lord, I do believe. Forgive my unbelief! Give me a heart that sits on the edge of its seat in joyful anticipation, wondering, "How will this be? I can't wait to see how my God will keep his promises!"
Mothering Like Mary
So this would be where the weeping part started for me. What a narrative! What a whirlwind of emotions over the months and years! And I always like a happy ending! What living proof that nothing is impossible with God.
Ponder
What do you like about Mary's faith? How is her faith an example to you?
I admire Mary's acceptance. I can't help but think that my questions to Gabriel may have been more like, "and how do you suggest I tell my friends and family about this because heads are going to roll!? Are you going to deal with Joseph because he's not going to believe this one?" My modus operandi is to usually expect the worst and then I'm pleasantly surprised if things turn out better than expected. It's a way to protect myself and Mary shows me that it's definitely not the best way or the right way. Ruth's story reminds me too that it's not up to me to protect me. That is God's job and nothing is impossible with God!
Praying with you, sisters!
2 comments:
I'd like to share my answers to a couple of the "Ponder" questions, just for the sake of discussion.
My chocolate chip: 1 John 2:1-2 - "If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Jesus is the perfect candidate to speak to the Father in my defense, because he is The Righteous One. Sinfulness permeates my entire being. Without his righteousness and his advocacy, God's wrath would consume me! That's one sweet morsel of relief!
Setting our children up for disappointment? No. However, along with any encouragement to pray for impossible things should come reminders of God's sovereignty and his love for us. If he responds with a "no," that doesn't mean that he couldn't, or that their prayers were not heard. What it DOES mean is... Well, that leads into the final "ponder" question...
When God chooses not to work the miracles (or even the more mundane things) we request, we don't always know how he intends to turn it into a blessing. What we do know is that "in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Jesus also said, "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:9-11)
Well said concerning encouraging our children to pray boldly and yet balancing that with the good thoughts and passages you mentioned. That's where we'll all find real comfort - knowing that God knows how to answer our prayers best!
Post a Comment