Today, let's continue our discussion of Mary, Mother of Jesus.....
The only question Mary asked of Gabriel was ' how can it be since I have never known a man?' Mary asked the obvious question of how this would physically happen.
She willingly entered into an unexpected virgin pregnancy. Her beloved fiance, Joseph, could not believe it. Who could blame him?! He considered a quiet divorce, not wanting to embarrass or humiliate her. What godly character! Until, while He was asleep, the angel appeared to him, telling him to marry Mary, that she indeed was carrying the Son of God. And He did. And kept her a virgin until after she delivered, Immanuel. (Matthew 1:18-25)NASV There was no law preventing them from having intercourse, since they were married, but if they had succumbed to temptation of a sexual relationship, it would give doubt that Mary was impregnated by God, and there would only be a virgin conception, not a virgin birth. God had His hand in every situation Mary and Joseph were in.
Think about how Mary would have to be feeling, what a roller coaster of emotions. From wedding preparations, to seeing an angel, the angel telling her that she had found great favor with God, divine conception, pregnancy and delivery of The Most High's only begotten Son, not to mention risking losing her family friends and her fiance. Wow! And she's only just begun.
As she gives birth to her Son, whose name Jesus, has already been chosen, she was not at a local hospital delivery room, but she and Joseph were in a strange place. After months of anticipation, The Son of God makes his entry into the world. The birth of a child is such a miracle in itself, the emotions we experience now, but knowing that this is The Son.. I can only imagine. She is spending those first moments of her Sons new life, their peace abruptly interrupted by the nearby Shepherds bursting in to see the new baby, led there by following this brilliant light.
Regardless of the divine immaculate conception and delivery of the Son of God, Mary and Joseph maintained all the ritual cleansing and sacrifices necessary to the Law. (Luke 2:21-24) Mary never expected to be treated differently, by throwing her weight around as the mother of God's Son, but regarded her love for God by doing what He said.
Mary may not have thought about the full extent of her suffering to come. Mary delighted in Gods will and placed her life into God's hands and doing what He called her to do, despite any difficulty, and even became a disciple of her Son. What a truly Biblical example for us all!
~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock
