As a pastor I have had quite a bit of involvement with newly-weds. When a man and a woman come together
having maintained their purity--Yes, Virginia, there are such people--there is always an element of fear. Excitement, Joy? Definitely, but certainly a measure of fear. The honeymoon is a time of marvelous joy, but also incredible adjustment. One can see the wisdom of the regulation given to ancient Israel: "When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken." (Deuteronomy 24:5)
having maintained their purity--Yes, Virginia, there are such people--there is always an element of fear. Excitement, Joy? Definitely, but certainly a measure of fear. The honeymoon is a time of marvelous joy, but also incredible adjustment. One can see the wisdom of the regulation given to ancient Israel: "When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken." (Deuteronomy 24:5)
In Mary's case something was taking place that was unique in all history. Mary was chaste, yet was bearing a child. The blasphemous theories and accusations about how Mary came to be pregnant that are found in the various "discovering Jesus" (as if He were lost) books and documentaries are only a shadow of what must have been circulating in Nazareth once Mary's condition had become known.
Everything associated with being a new wife.
The concerns about being a first-time mother.
The social isolation and pain.
The horribly inconvenient requirement of the trip to Bethlehem.
All that, plus, the incomprehensible truth, that had to weigh on Mary's mind, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)
I Can't see how Mary could not have been fearful. In that regard she modeled a virtue--one of many that we see in her--that is sorely needed in our day. Mary refused to be controlled by emotion, rather she did what was right. Her incredible obedience and trust are captured in her reply to Gabriel, really, it was her reply to the Lord. "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Mary is likely the most sculpted and painted woman in history. I pray that the character she exhibited would be reproduced in our hearts. More Sunday.
With a wish for the best of Christmases,
it's Something To Think About,
from the Covington Bible Church.
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