Mary was truly a chosen vessel that God used to carry out His perfect will. As mothers, we desperately need to study her response to God’s call on her life.
Let’s examine some of her characteristics that are evident in God’s Word.
Mary was favored. More that just favored, Mary was highly favored. (Luke 1:28) Why was Mary so highly favored in God’s eyes? Here are some clues found in the Scriptures.
Mary was pure. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke1: 27) Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (Luke 1:34) Do we keep our minds and bodies pure?
Mary rejoiced that God was her Savior (.See Luke 1:47) Can we be joyful simply because Jesus is our Savior?
Mary was a “ponderer”. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. (Luke 1:29) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things, which were spoken of him. (Luke 2:33) Do we ponder about God’s ways or do we talk and talk about everything to everyone?
Mary was a magnifier. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, (Luke 1:46). Do we magnify our problems more than magnifying God?
Mary was a maid. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38) Are we the Lord’s maids in our homes? Jesus said, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40)
Mary was a keeper. And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things (Luke 2:18,19) And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (Luke 2:50,51) What kind of sayings are we keeping in our hearts?
Mary was obedient. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. (Luke 2: 42) This family walked approximately 120 miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Does our obedience to God’s commands cost us anything?
Mary feared the Lord. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. (Luke 1:50) Do we fear the Lord of do fears control us?
Mary was wise. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (John 2:3,4,5) How often have we told others, do what Jesus tells you to do?
Mary was a prayer warrior. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts1: 14) Do you have a special prayer partner?
Mary was honored by Jesus. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John19: 25-27) This was the ultimate Mother’s Day gift. Jesus, who was bleeding and dying respected and honored His mother to the end. Do we have that same honor towards our own mothers? (And for those who do the will of God? See Matthew 12:50).
It is true what Mary said all generations shall call me blessed. (Luke 1:48). As mothers, may we strive for that same worthy goal.