“… And Mary Pondered These Things …” December 2019
Luke 2: 8- 19 (NKJV)
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
I was busy doing my housework when some thoughts came to the forefront of my mind. Whether they were revelation knowledge or products of my own mind, I make no claim. However, like Mary, the mother of Jesus, I ponder.
As we carry out the daily routines of life, we are bombarded with circumstances which lead to thoughts. These may be as a result of our trying to process and make sense of occurrences.
In this particular scripture reference, Mary did the same. Seemingly, her life was interrupted at a most inopportune time. The young girl was expectant. Her dream was about to become a reality. Joseph had proposed and the wedding was planned.The only news that Mary would expect on an angel’s visit was about her intended. Would he love and cherish her? How many children would they have? Would they continue to live in Nazareth? If not, where would they settle? Would her friends be happy for her? Mary pondered.
Instead of answers to those thoughts, the angel gave her the most unbelievable news the whole world would ever hear (Luke 1:26-33); she was highly favored and as a result would be pregnant; her baby would be exceptionally great; He would be called Jesus, the Son of God; He would reign forever.
Mary was, to put it mildly, taken aback. She questioned the possibility, but later she discovered the authenticity of the news (via her cousin, Elizabeth) (Luke 1:41-45). Now that she was really convinced, her concern took a different turn. Her flesh had questions, but when she realized what was really happening, Mary’s soul (her true self) exalted God (Luke 1: 46-55).
In the midst of what did not make sense, Mary rejoiced and recounted her past experiences with God. She even recalled His faithfulness to her ancestors. Yet, Mary pondered.
We do well to imagine that Mary realized that God also had good plans for her. What made her look away from her overwhelming situation and take time out to reflect on His goodness? By then, her pregnancy had naturally become a household speculation and the source of gossip in the Jerusalem Tribune. All that aside, protected by Joseph, the prophetic was about to take place for them when they travelled to pay their taxes.
Has the Lord given us anything that we should ponder? Holy Spirit speaks in His own way. It may not necessarily be wise to always share everything that He reveals. We are all in different places and stages along our faith journey, therefore, it would be wise to weigh some things and just ponder (James 1: 5-6).
The shepherds also had things to mull over. It was a fearful experience when they encountered bright lights, angels, incredible news and a choir of angels at a moment’s notice. These men were accustomed to the night life. There may have been times when they had to ward off wolves and other predators from their flocks. Never had there been a supernatural panoramic scene outplayed in the sky. It was even accompanied by voices giving directives. The information was so detailed the shepherds were also told what would be the “proof in the pudding.’’ We like to receive a heads-up on events.
The shepherds were not spared a chance. When their heads cleared, although they were afraid, they immediately decided to act on what they were told. They went to Bethlehem and saw exactly what had been described to them. They had to share the Good News, but everyone who heard it, wondered.
Today, mankind is still wondering at that news. Mary also thought deeply about her experiences especially of the most recent nine months. She did not understand all these things (Luke 2:19), but she secured a place in her heart just to think about them. Did those life experiences make sense to her, to the shepherds, or to Jerusalem at large? Do all our situations make sense to us? If they did, we would be our own God. Until He reveals what He wants us to know, the best plan of action is Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 121:1.
Things have a way of tugging at our heart and, when we don’t understand, it is best to acknowledge that God’s ways exceed our reasoning. It seems best to think and try to evaluate happenings, but in case we have forgotten, let us conclude that it is impossible to decipher the way God works. (Romans 11:33-36)
Let’s review the ‘things’ Mary pondered in her heart:
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The first angel’s declaration (Luke 1:28)
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What would she tell Joseph/ her parents (Luke 1:31-34)
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The reaction in the society (Luke 1:37)
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Elizabeth’s greeting (Luke 1: 41-42)
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Simeon’s blessing (Luke 2:28-29, 33-35)
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Anna’s thanks & prophecy (Luke 2:39)
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Jesus’ response after they found Him after a three-day disappearance (Luke 2:50-51).
Mary refuted nothing. At one point, she asked, “How can these things be?” because these things were humanly impossible. Yet, we know that she believed and decided that she was available. She was selected for this daunting task.
Do we believe that when God chooses us, the process that He takes us through will bring Him glory? While He is perfecting, establishing strengthening and settling us, He provides all grace (I Peter 5:10-12). That is the reason Mary’s spirit could rejoice (Luke 1:47).
Mary’s situation was beyond reasoning, but her announcement was, “…Let it be to me according to your word.” Her resolve was grounded in the fact that those were God’s plans for her, and they would result in glory for Him.
What do we ponder when we don’t understand? Will our declarations cause our spirit to be joyful? Apart from that, we deny that God has control and sways our circumstances the way HE chooses. As we ponder things, we may never know the ‘why,’ but we trust that God will provide the ‘how’ in order for us to persevere.
Dr. O. A. James
REFLECTION
How can we ensure that our ponderings bring glory to God?