I’ve always held a fondness in my heart for Mary. She’s portrayed as a genuinely good biblical character. As the mother of our Lord, she is kind and loving. But in all honestly, I had always though of Mary as one of those “lesser characters” in the Bible. I looked at her as someone who was quiet… even a little weak. I really didn’t know that much about her.
As I was seeking the Lord and His will for me one evening, I clearly heard the Holy Spirit say to me, “Be like Mary.”
Mary?
Really God? You want me to be like Mary? There’s not that much stuff in the Bible about Mary and she doesn’t seem like one of those powerhouse Bible women like Deborah or Esther. Okay… I’ll read everything the Bible has to say about Mary and see what I learn.
Well hold on! Because my mind is blown and I am ready to do anything I can to be like the mother of my Lord!
What I’ve learned is Mary was Righteous, Willing, and Unashamed.
1. Righteous
It is globally known fact, that Mary was a virgin — she kept herself pure. Out of all the women in the world, God chose Mary to be the mother of His only son. When the angel came to Mary, he said, “greetings favored woman! The lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28) She had found favor with God because of her righteousness. As she grew up, she followed God’s commands and served Him well.
2. Willing
When the angel came to her, Mary was willing to be the mother of the Messiah. She was afraid and confused, but still chose to do as the Lord asked. She responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, may everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38) She didn’t question the plans of God, she merely obeyed. The call on her life was big, but she was a dedicated servant of the Lord.
3. Unashamed
After accepting this plan for her life, she was now a pregnant virgin. That doesn’t just happen! People in her village would not believe her. By obeying, she risked her marriage, her reputation, and even her life. Being pregnant was a very physical and obvious proof of her obedience to God. There was no backing out or hiding her faithfulness. But she was not ashamed. She knew the truth from God, and followed that.
We can learn a lot from Mary.
Right now, God is searching the earth for people to fill with His Holy Spirit. God wants to make us pregnant with Jesus. As Christians, we will carry Him on the inside of us wherever we go.
Live a righteous life worthy of carrying the Messiah.
How would you live differently if you were literally pregnant with Jesus Christ?
Of course, we are not physically pregnant with Him, but we do carry Jesus with us, like a mother does here baby. We must live pure and righteous lives, like Mary.
Once God does choose you, and give you Jesus on the inside of you, will you be willing to do whatever He asks?
Mary was willing. When God instructs you to do something, be willing and obey.
Sometimes the plans of the Lord for our lives can intimidate us. We must be unashamed of our God. His plans will affect our lives forever. Often, we will have obvious, physical and spiritual marks of Jesus on our lives, like Mary’s pregnant belly was a sign of her obedience. Do not be ashamed to show the world what God has done in your life.
Mary risked her future, reputation, and even life to obey God… what are you willing to risk?
Will you follow God even if your whole village starts to hate you and exclude you?
That’s what happened to Mary. She could have been stoned to death for becoming pregnant while she was unmarried, but she still told God to have His way. She was unashamed of what people thought ad unafraid of the consequences. She believed God.
So what can you and I do?
Show yourself to be righteous in the sight of God and man. Become worthy of carrying the Holy Spirit inside of you.
When the Lord asks something of you, say YES! Be willing to do whatever He asks.
Be unashamed. Know the truth God has for your life and do not worry about what others will do or think.
Be righteous…
Be willing…
Be unashamed…
Be like Mary!
