Being Humble and Strong

Humble in Heart

The angel said to Mary, “You have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30) Why was God favorable with Mary? Her song gives an answer to this. She sang that God has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant (Luke 1:48). She continued singing that His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (v.50). Mary lived in an insignificant place called Nazareth. She and Joseph were so poor that that they could offer “pigeons” as sacrifice which is a marker indicating a low economic status. In spite of the inadequate backgrounds, Mary knew the history of Israel so well which made her long for a Savior for her nation. She also knew the Scripture thoroughly that she could compose a song, which we sing until today. Mary was a thinker too. Luke says later that she pondered things in her heart. Yes God’s favor is even today upon women and men like Mary who fear the Lord and his words. Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

Strong in Head

We also see that Mary took responsibility for herself and her decisions. She lived in a society where women were under father’s care and then under husband’s care like our own Indian society. Here is an unmarried woman who is willing to be pregnant with the seed of the Holy Spirit. She knew that this would bring dishonor to her family and Joseph’s. Any big decision cannot be taken without her father’s and fiancé’s consent. However the angel Gabriel went directly to Mary and gave her God’s proposal for which Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). Mary was independent in her thinking. God knew that Mary was head-strong and so his favor was upon her.

Together in Task

Joseph needed an angel to understand Mary’s situation. He realised that God was calling him and Mary to a very special ministry that they would be working on together. Though they accepted their tasks independently, they faced the world together, supported each other and served God. Mary’s task was more than to serve her husband’s needs. Joseph’s task was more than to make a living. He took her to Bethlehem, was present during the delivery, and was with Mary and baby Jesus. He took child Jesus and Mary in the darkness of night to Egypt to escape the fury of King Herod. No wonder the Scripture calls Joseph as a “righteous” man, a man who offered to serve God by fathering a child who was not his own. In totality Mary and Joseph were together in their task.

The crux of the story for us is that God respects a woman’s worth and responsibility. A humble person can be a head-strong person. God favors women and men who are both humble and head-strong. More importantly, Mary was a young woman who made a pivotal decision on her own to bring the Savior into the world! Even today God needs people like Mary to carry the gospel for the expansion of his kingdom.

(Adapted from Dr Beulah Wood's writing in the book titled, "How many chappathis do you want?")