Once upon a time, a teenage girl gave the whole world a
song! Indirectly, she has inspired thousands of songs because poets,
composers and artists have been uplifted by her song and her story. But
this teen gave us a simple song.
Mary, the mother of Jesus. Sometimes I wish you and I could
know her better. Who was she, really? Was she a shy little thing or a
tough, peasant farm girl? Girlie girl? There is so much we do not
know- but what we do know from Luke’s account is that one day in the middle of
her engagement to a carpenter, Mary’s life got interrupted.
A grand and frightening interruption by an angel, no less!
Gabriel announces to Mary that she has been chosen by God to conceive and bear
a son, whose name shall be called Jesus. After the announcement is not
the time for her song. Instead, Mary asks the angel questions, receives
some answers, and then she sets out.
Pay attention to the details, Mary is not a teenage runaway.
She does not run away from this news, but instead runs to a trusted, dear
kinswoman in her family. And a family member who is pregnant too! I
am not sure about you but aunties can be an amazing resource of wisdom and support.
I know that I have been blessed to have a dear friend in my favorite auntie.
When Mary greets Elizabeth, the older woman felt her own baby leap
in her womb. Moved by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth pronounces a blessing
upon young Mary. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit
of your womb.” (Luke 1:42). It was this greeting… this greeting by a
trusted family member, someone who recognized and confirmed the working of God
in Mary’s young simple life, this greeting… that led to Mary’s song.
Consider- how being commissioned by God for a special purpose
would be exciting and yet also might leave a person feeling alone or uncertain
or at least in need of some grounding reassurance. Elizabeth’s greeting
was a familiar family greeting- but also it was a powerful statement of
faith.
When Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you among women,” a song burst
free from Mary’s heart! That was her moment to sing… received both
aspects of the call from God; 1) divine intervention and 2) human assurance.
Friends, one day you may be an Elizabeth in someone’s life.
A friend may hear the call of God or receive some sense of holy responsibility,
and yet question that feeling. Confirmation is needed by a person- you-
who are sensitive to God’s spirit and presence. We cannot imagine the
power and impact of the right word of affirmation spoken at the right
time!
Someone may be ready to give up- as a parent, or teacher, or
community leader, or give up simply as a human being. Perhaps what they
need along with the voice of an angel is your voice. A reassuring word
from another human being. Don’t rule out the possibility that you can be
God’s “Elizabeth” for some uncertain soul.
See you at the singing place,
Pastor Michelle
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