From:
Date: January 12, 2021
Subject: It's January 12; Good Morning Union
Luke 2
“Mary treasured these things in her heart.” Vs 51
A lot happens in this chapter! The birth of Jesus, the visit from the shepherds, the trip to the temple for His dedication, encountering Simeon and Anna, all in the span of 8 days! Then there is a 12-year silence and suddenly Jesus in in Jerusalem for the Passover where His parents lost Him for a few days while Jesus was focusing on His mission in the temple. All that in one chapter!
Two verses became my focus for today. First trying to imagine all that Mary was going through. Here is reportedly a teenage girl with a new baby that is the Son of God. Trying to wrap my mind around all she would go through just trying to be a mother, much less the mother of God’s Son with all the miraculous evidences that this motherhood ride would be everything except normal was a powerful moment of reflection. The version I read said Mary “treasured these things in her heart.” Another version says she “pondered” them in her heart. With the bombardment of supernatural displays that I’m guessing left Mary trying to sort it all out, I find her submissive to the angel, and willing to let things play out as God’s want them and not her. She was content to “treasure” these things,” and “ponder them in her heart,” and then trust God that He knew what he was doing. I like that about Mary.
I also liked the reminder in the next verse as about the only descriptor we have of Jesus’ childhood. He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Vs 52. With the goal of stability and balance as two of the greatest character qualities I could ask for in life, I was reminded again this morning that Jesus developed:
Talk about balance! Again, I come away from my time in God’s word this morning with a renewed commitment that I want to be like Jesus, with a dose of Mary’s “treasuring and pondering.”
Have a great day discovering the balance in following Jesus,
Pastor Rich
Quote for the day: “If only I may grow: firmer, simpler, quieter, warmer.” Dag Hammarshjold
PS: If you started a penpal relationship last semester with a student on Chuuk and haven’t picked up your letter yet, they are on the table in Campus Ministries!
PPS The weather is going to be unseasonably warm for the next few days so I thought I would remind you that the Frisbee golf course is still set up on front campus. Pick up a frisbee from Campus Ministries or the Ortner desk and get out and catch a few winter rays with your friends!!
PPPS Check your message from me regarding HeartScan. We’re ready to start our spiritual mentoring program that replaces all uWorship expectations. Forms are available in Campus Ministries and the deadline for applying is January 22