Mary

My devotion right now is from a book called THE LINEAGE OF GRACE by Francine Rivers. It outlines the lineage of Christ from women, and their lives, etc from Tamar, to Rahab, to Ruth, to Bathsheba, to Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary's portion begins with the appearance of the Angel and goes to (I assume) his crucifixition. Although these are real live characters from "OUR" line, these are very real women living within the rules and mores of the society of their day. It's also about the choices of the men around them - some good, some not. There is a reason I haven't been able to find the book when I had time to read or read it when I wanted to. I've found when I can't get to a regulated, methodical Bible Study on the appropriate day or time, there is a reason. It's simply not the study for me on that day and that time. There is a day coming when I need it most - either to learn the lesson or to receive the message, or to be enveloped in the comfort. I'm finally getting to pick the book back up where I left off a week or so ago (not that I haven't been 'devoting' :) - just not on this particular work). Today I pick it iup and its where Mary has given birth to Jesus, suffered under the persecution of those around her, even her family and Joseph's that did not understand the circumstances under which he was conceived and born. She has raised Him and His brothers and sisters, buried her husband, and now watches Him as He begins the journey of His ministry and the reaction of others, yet again, her own familh. Only it's her sons and daughters this time who are ashamed, blaming, and disdainful toward Him (and of course, her). "So what's the deal?" You ask. It is very much "the deal" that I needed today. We live in a world that applauds wealth and riches and outwitting and overtaking the 'other guy'. We live where the only way to progress is to keep the other guy down. (I'm truly not being cynical, just making an observation). The real reaching out from the heart is really rare. There are too many games played, and "selves" to look after and little guys to be gotten over on, before they get over on you. There are "normal, every day" things like laundry, meals, bills to be paid, a leaky roof to fix, etc. If there is a reason under to sun to NOT follow Jesus, we can find one. I really don't want to hurt or offend anyone, but I sent a prayer request out recently - not on me or mine, believe it or not - but on a sad, tragic situation that is still going on today where a young man's body and life has been changed physically and in every other way forever on this Earth. I got a negative response from someone on it. I understand their logic. I thanked them and then went on my way. But I really was stunned. And I really was hurt. Not my feelings or my ego or my status with this influential person. But for God. It literally made my heart hurt for Him. In a way, He asks very little of us. I another, bigger way - He asks it all! I'm not mad or angry or even judgmental toward that individual who wanted no part of that prayer request - I really do understand. However, I hurt for them. They just missed an opportunity to speak to the Creator of the Universe over one human being in need and they didn't want to be included in that type of activity in the future. I get it. But it hurts my heart for them, because it hurts my God for them. Mary went through a lot for her Child. Those stories can only be imagined - the Bible doesn't speak of them. However, can you imagine her not wanting to pray for her own son or to His Father, the Creator of the Universe? (And I'm not elevating Mary to Sainthood status.) I'm just overwhelmed with grief that we have come this far (and it was there during her day-or we wouldn't have taken Him to the cross) and still not "Gotten It". It is a privilege to love others. It is a privilege to be in The Presence of the Father. It is a Priviliege to be His Child. Pain and sufferring are to be expected, either physically, or otherwise, while on this Earth. I've watched too much of that lately. However, I can't imagine not wanting to lift my child up to the Father through it all. I can't imagine not wanting to lift another person's child up through it all. And I can't imagine being Mary, watching it all play out through your own flesh and blood, either as the Savior or used by the accusor and not wanting to be in the Father's Presence about it. No final observations other than I don't want to NOT have the time, the heart, the love for Him or others. If you don't know me - you are very likely to think that I think that I'm better than this other person. Not the case. I see myself in this situation from many times past. I just don't want to do it again. Get it? I don't want to praise Him with my tongue and not with my actions. I don't want to waste any more time. There's too little of it as there is. I feel a big sense of urgency - not just for me and mine but for mankind. I don't honestly think we can turn away from the suffering of others and Him be living in us! I certainly don't think we can CAUSE the suffering of others and be filled up with Him! I haven't finished the book yet. I think Mary will experience the worst of it all on Earth - watching your child suffer at the hands of others. However, I believe God was there. He never left her. He told her, "I've got you, BabyGirl." I hope you feel that today.