madonna-with-child-1051897_640“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30

Had she won Miss Nazareth? Held office in Galilee? Made front page news for some outstanding feat? No. Nothing remarkable by man’s standards is noted about the young woman chosen by God to be pregnant with the Messiah. Had there been a contest and qualifications required to obtain this long awaited position, Mary doubtfully would’ve made the cut.

The prophet Samuel was instructed by God to anoint a king from the house of Jesse. God’s command to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature… For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Managers, agents, publishers, producers, all look for one thing – who’s the most marketable? Who’s the most appealing? Will generate publicity and cash?

These are not God’s standards.

Isaiah prophesied a virgin would give birth to the Messiah. Mary met the only listed virtue. Yet, God looked beyond the realm of logic or cultural popularity. With laser precision His eyes peered into her heart.

While she never comprehended how the virgin birth scenario would happen, she put her yes on the table. No back peddling. Pure faith.

In “Mary’s Magnificat” we discover the beauty of this peasant girl’s heart (Lk. 1:46-55).

  • Her soul magnified the Lord
  • She rejoiced in God her Savior
  • Humbled that God chose her, a lowly maidservant
  • Acknowledged the great things He had done for her
  • Praised Him for His holiness, mercy, and might

My mind wonders if there were many like Mary in her day. I ask myself, “Today, do I regard the Almighty as highly as this favored woman of God? Do I acknowledge what He has done for me? Anticipate all He can and will still do through me? Praise Him for Who He is to me?”

Mary was a recipient of grace. We all are. May we raise a voice of praise, a “magnificat” for finding favor in His eyes.

Why Mary?
Tagged on:         

One thought on “Why Mary?

  • December 20, 2016 at 9:38 am
    Permalink

    Mary had favor with God and had to keep her eyes on God in the coming days. This reminds me of Matt 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness….

Comments are closed.