Sunday, May 21, 2017

Her Greatness

“Mary's greatness consists in the fact that she wants to magnify God (not herself).“ (Pope Benedict XVI)

Motherhood is one of the most unique challenges that any female can choose to take on. The core values of motherhood in any time period stay the same. Mother’s today often have difficulty relating to the humanness of Jesus mother (Mary).

If you think Mary couldn’t possibly understand the overwhelming maternal emotions you struggle with at times, you would be wrong.  Let’s see what the Bible says about all of this.
As a mother, Mary…

1.       Knew the importance of teaching Jesus the humility she modeled daily: For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. (Luke 1:48)

 
2.    Made the best of a bad situation:”...She gave birth to her first Child, a Son. She wrapped him in a blanket, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the village inn.” (Luke 2:7)

  
3.    Was fully aware of how others would one day treat her special Child: Simeon blessed them but then said to Mary, “A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)

4.    Became aware that Jesus was on-loan to her from God to raise (along with Joseph): And she will have a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (meaning ‘Savior’), for He will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

 

5.    Was willing to whatever was necessary to protect her Child (Jesus): After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up and flee to Egypt with the baby and his mother,” the angel said, “and stay there until I tell you to return, for King Herod is going to try to kill the child. That same night he left for Egypt with Mary and the baby.” (Matthew 2:13-14)

 

6.    Realized all mothers are special to God, and that He is with them daily: Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Congratulations, favored lady. The Lord is with you. (Luke 1:28)


“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” (Dorothy Canfield Fisher)
What can mothers learn from the life of Mary (Jesus mother)?

·       You are an obstacle to Satan. Your child (children) is the target.


 ·       Your struggles are not about what you’re doing wrong, but doing right.


·       Spiritual battles require supernatural assistance (through prayer).


 ·       The Heavenly Father’s presence goes all around you.[i]


“Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own; to teach the hard lessons; to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is... and to forgive yourself (over and over again) for doing everything wrong.” (Donna Ball)



[i] Inspired by the sermon “Family Matters: Real Families, Real Houses” Pastor Tony Liuzzo Fellowship Baptist Church Columbus, OH Sunday May 14, 2017 (My family attended my mother’s church for Mother’s Day.) All verses are taken from The Living Bible (TLB).

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