Category Archives: Bible Study

UNCHANGED, UNCHANGING, AND UNCHANGEABLE

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One of God’s attributes, so unlike us, is that He never changes. Imagine that! In a world that is constantly changing, God is still the same in nature and character as He was before He made the universe.

Why does God never change nor can He change? Into what could He change? He is perfect in His being and in all His ways.

Psalms 18:30 NLT
[30] “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”

Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT
[4] “He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!”

The only way that God could ever change would be to become less than perfect…and that will never happen!

Hebrews 13:8 NLT
[8]”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Why, then, do we humans and the earth around us, change and why must we change? The fact that we must and can change is a great blessing. We are all part of an environment and a world system that is corrupted by sin and must change for us to share in God’s eternal kingdom.

Matthew 18:3 NIV
[3] “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

To be included in God’s plan for His people and His universe, change is imperative. We must leave our sin-riddled thoughts and ways, and be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. We must move from our changing environment, dominated by sin, to enter God’s perfect realm where perfection guarantees that it will never change.

God will never need to amend His constitution because His Word is perfect…

Psalms 19:7-10 NIV
[7] “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”

Since God’s Word is His perfect standard, any change in us must be in the direction of His Word which verbalises His will and intention for His forever family.

How does this happen?

God’s perfection is in His thoughts.

Psalms 139:17-18 NLT
[17] “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!”

God shares His thoughts about us in every promise He has made. His love is perfect and unchanging and so are His intentions for us.

Jeremiah 31:3 NLT
[3]”Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”

So powerful is God’s love for His people that nothing can change or separate us from His love.

Romans 8:35, 37 NLT
[35]”Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?..
[37] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”

Transformation, for us, begins in the mind. What we believe controls who we are and what we do.

Romans 12:2 NLT
[2]”Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

To become like Jesus, then, is to think like He thinks. How can we know what Jesus thinks?

1 Corinthians 2:13, 15-16 NLT
[13] “When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths…
[15] Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. [16] For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”

For us, the keys to change are the Holy Spirit and the Word. Jesus promised us a perfect Companion who would be in us…

John 14:17 NLT
[17]”He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”

1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT
[16] “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”

… who would teach us about Himself…

John 16:13-15 NLT
[13]” When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. [14] He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ “

… and who would change us from within by telling us the truth.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
[18]”So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

However, not only will God change us inside so that we become increasingly like Jesus until we see Him and are perfected forever…

1 John 3:2 NLT
[2]”Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”

… but He will also change our mortal bodies to be like Jesus’ body.

1 Corinthians 15:49 NLT
[49]”Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NLT
[51]”But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! [52] It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. [53] For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.”

In the world system, change moves from bad to worse. Creation around us is driving everything towards decay and death.

In God’s realm, the possibility of change is real. We don’t have to be stuck in a process of inevitable destruction. By faith, we can enter into God’s plan where change will move us from imperfection to perfection, from death to life, from hell to heaven.

This ancient hymn says it all…

1. Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

3 I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

4 I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

5 Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Author: Henry Francis Lyte
http://hymnary.org

What a great expression of trust in a God who never changes in a changing world!

So great is the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit that He can interrupt and reverse the process of change and decay. He can move us from imperfection to perfection, and from death to life when we enter His flow by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 3:14-15 NLT
[14] “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”

Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
[13] “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

HE MAKES EVERYTHING NEW

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Revelation 21:5 NLT
[5] “And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

Well, that’s a fantastic promise!

As fallen human beings, we have broken, spoiled, and messed up so much in our Iives and the Iives of others that God’s promise is a lifeline for us. What if we went into eternity dragging everything we have broken or destroyed in this life with us!

God is not the one who has done the damage. We have, even if we hate to admit our part in the trail of brokenness we leave behind us.

We have all had a part in destroying relationships. We have harmed our children by what we have said, or not said, done or not done. We have damaged those closest to ourselves by our thoughtless words and actions. We have hated and judged instead of forgiving and praying for our enemies. We have ignored those in need, lavishing on ourselves what we could have done for others. We are GUILTY, all of us, in some way or another….

But….

God said that He will make everything new, not new everything. What He created in the beginning was perfect and functional, “Good!” He called it. He will not replace the broken with everything new. He will restore everything damaged by our hands to its former perfection. God doesn’t throw anything away except those who refuse His invitation to be made new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
[17] “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

So, as well as making people new, God will also renew both heaven and earth. In some way we don’t understand, the corruption sin brought to people affected all creation and the connection between heaven and earth.

Romans 8:20-22 NLT
[20]”Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, [21] the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. [22] For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

However,

Revelation 21:1-4 NLT
[1]”Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. [2] And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Our fallen bodies, too, will be restored to sinless perfection and immortality, like the body of Jesus, when He walked out of the tomb.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49 NLT
[42]”It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. [43] Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. [44] They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies…
[49] Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.”

How will God accomplish this restoration?

God restores, not by patching up something old and worn out but by making it brand-new, all over again as it was in the beginning.

In Jeremiah 23, God describes His word as powerfully destructive.

Jeremiah 23:29 NLT
[29] “Does not my word burn like fire?” says the Lord. “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?”

Just as God created the universe by the power of His Word, so He will destroy everything that has corrupted His creation by His Word.

2 Peter 3:7, 10 NLT
[7]” And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”

Lest we think that Peter is referring to literal fire, let us first consider the meaning of the word, “elements”.

Strong’s g4747

  • Lexical: στοιχεῖον
  • Transliteration: stoicheion
  • Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
  • Phonetic Spelling: stoy-khi’-on
  • Definition: (a) plur: the heavenly bodies, (b) a rudiment, an element, a rudimentary principle, an elementary rule.
  • Origin: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of stoicheo; something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively).
  • Usage: element, principle, rudiment.
  • Translated as (count): principles (4), elements (2), basic principles (1).”

Paul uses the same Greek word, “stoicheion”, translated “elements” to refer to the basic principles by which this present evil world operates.

Galatians 4:3 NLT
[3] “And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world.”

Even the worthless material His people have used in their work in the kingdom will perish in the fire.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 NLT
[10]”Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. [11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. [12] Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. [13] But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. [14] If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. [15] But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.”

Just as God created the universe by His powerful Word, the Bible tells us, so also He will cleanse the universe of pollution and restore everything to its former perfection through the fire of His Word.

Even the worthless work we have done in His name will be consumed by the flames and only that which is truth and built on the truth will remain. Fire will test all our words and works and everything that is precious and of value will survive.

In view of God’s promise, then,

2 Peter 3:11-14 NLT
[11] “Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, [12] looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. [13] But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. [14] And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.”

HE RESTORES MY SOUL – 2

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David, at some point in his young life, began to understand that his relationship with God was affecting his “soul”. Something inside of him was helping him to come back into balance. His mind, emotions, and will, and his spirit were in contact with God, restoring order and affecting his view on life and the way he responded to his circumstances.

So, as he reflected on these things, David began to pen his perspective. How did this transformation come about?

As a young boy, the youngest of eight brothers, his role was to care for his father’s sheep. This was a responsible task, and often a dangerous one, for a teenager.

He had to care for the health and well-being of each individual sheep as well as to seek out suitable pastures and a safe water supply for the flock.

He had to protect them from injury, from preditors, and from danger in rocky terrain. He had to rescue those who wandered away, and to herd them together as they moved from pasture to pasture.

It was a full-time job. On those occasions when the sheep grazed quietly in a safe pasture, David had time to reflect on his own life. No doubt he was steeped in the truths of the Torah from birth. He was no stranger to the faith of his ancestors. He was learning to trust the God of his fathers as he navigated his role as a shepherd. He needed God to help him carry out his daily tasks.

God was never far from his thoughts when he gazed into the night sky and pondered on the majesty of creation.

Psalms 8:1 NIV
[1] “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”

Songs of praise and worship formed in his mind. He played his instrument and sang to the sheep on the hills outside Bethlehem.

Slowly he began to see God’s place in his life as he pondered on his own shepherding role. He was a sheep in God’s flock. The divine Shepherd was personally responsible for him. His care took many forms, always doing the best for him.

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT
[1] “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

No lack in God’s care for him! He met David’s needs, not his wants. The divine Shepherd always knew what was best for His sheep. No overindulged, spoilt little pet lamb! This lamb had to grow up to become a parent sheep one day, to follow the Shepherd first since he was called to shepherd his own nation.

There is an interesting alternative meaning to the Hebrew word translated “want”, i.e., “lessen” or “decrease”. In God’s flock, no sheep will ever become less, or decrease in God’s estimation and care. He never diminishes anyone who trusts in Him.

[2] “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”

The divine Shepherd never drives His sheep. He allows them time to rest and munch on the good food He provides. How different from our opinion of God at times! Why do we act as though we are driven? Do we always need to be busy, even about His business? Jesus took time out, “me time”, if you like, to rest, refresh, and regroup.

[3] “He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

He restores my soul! He puts my mind, will, and emotions back into the correct order.

David had ample opportunity, during his leisure time while the sheep grazed in the green pastures, to “graze” on God’s world around him, to learn to think God’s thoughts. In the years of his reign over his people, he constantly sought the Lord to help him do the right thing. Where did he learn such wisdom? Was it when he lounged in the green pastures, contemplating God in creation?

[4] “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

David learned that shepherding mindless sheep was no bed of roses. There were times of danger and hardship, drought and want, wild animals and rough terrain, stubborn sheep and wayward lambs. He also learned that he was never alone. As he thought about God, his Shepherd thought about him. Bears and lions were harmless teddy bears and kittens with God’s strength. He and his sheep were seasoned mountaineers by grace. Water and grazing were always somewhere nearby when they needed it. Faith opened the door to the Shepherd’s provision.

[5] “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

There were always enemies lurking nearby, wild animals to pick off the sheep, rustlers to sneak a raid on his animals, unexpected cracks and crevices to swallow a lamb or two….but God was his shield, an impenetrable barrier of protection. Not even fear could block his pathway to God’s plenty.

Not only provision but abundance of blessing and favour! He would return home at the end of the summer season with his father’s flock intact and flourishing because of his divine Shepherd’s care. What a welcome he would receive from his relieved family!

[6] “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Just as he accompanied his sheep with his presence and careful supervision, so David’s divine Shepherd would be with him all the way to his heavenly destination, intact and flourishing. Goodness and mercy hounded him every moment of his journey, like two faithful sheepdogs watching his every step, supplying his every need, protecting him from every danger. They were behind him, guiding him unerringly to his heavenly destination.

The Shepherd was ready for that moment…and his sheep reached home to a place thoroughly prepared for him. What a welcome for a faithful shepherd!

2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV
[5] “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

He restores my soul!

2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV
[10]”Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, [11] and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

AUGUST – WOMEN’S MONTH

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Women all over South Africa are the subject of praise and celebration in this month. “Women’s Month“ is a big deal on TV, for example, to highlight their importance in the eyes of the public.

Why should an entire month be dedicated to women? Does it mean that society finally recognises the worth and role of wives and mothers in our world. It’s an anomaly since there is a phenomenon called GBV that is eating away at the female population in our country. So why have a women’s month when there is little real evidence that many husbands and boyfriends honour and respect their women? Why is it necessary for women to dangle their importance under the noses of men, and push for quotas in government and business? Does it mean that they must highlight something that doesn’t really exist to make it happen?

I know I speak in generalisations. However, the evidence is there that society’s treatment of their women needs attention.

Religion can be a powerful indicator of some of the world’s attitude. There are nations controlled by a single religious system that treat women as nothing more than possessions to be used and abused at will.

Despite what men think of their women by the way they treat them, there is one man who showed the world their worth by setting them free from the shackles of their own culture.

Jesus rises above all other men who ever lived by elevating the women He encountered and all women since, to the position and role God intended at creation. Helper, taken, not from man’s foot or his head, but from man’s side! Partner, not possession! Honoured, not abused! Treated with compassion and respect, not with cruelty or contempt! Every story of His encounter with women peels another layer off the burden their culture and religion placed on them.

In the gospel record, Jesus gave three Mary’s the “thumbs up” by deliberately removing from them their cultural taboos.

The name, Mary, has deep meaning and significance for three Mary’s in the gospel record. Written into their lives is some part of the meaning of their name.

“Meaning:Star of the sea; Bitterness; Beloved; Wished for a child. The quintessential girl’s name, Mary, is of Latin and Greek origins and means “drop of the sea,” “bitterness,” “beloved,” and “wished for a child.” The old-world name is the anglicized version of Maria, originating from the Hebrew Miriam or Mariam.”

The first Mary is Jesus’ own mother. Although Jesus had to untie the mother-bond in His public ministry He, nevertheless, never failed to honour the woman who brought Him into the world. At her request, for example, He stepped in to help a family out of an embarrassing situation when the wine ran out at a wedding in Cana in Galilee. Again, moments before He died, He gave her into the care of a beloved disciple, John.

Jesus, by His example, elevated motherhood to the level of a divine calling. He honoured Mary as His mother. He endorsed the Father’s choice of Mary to be the mother of His Son in His earthly role as a man.

The second Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Magadala, that Mary, was the object of Jesus’ compassion. She was enslaved, probably through a sinful lifestyle, by seven demons who tormented her day and night. We are not told her details but, somehow, somewhere, she encountered Jesus. He saw her plight and drove the devils out of her, setting her free to become a faithful follower and the first witness to His resurrection.

It was Luke, the Gentile, who often records stories that reveal Jesus’ attitude to women.

Luke 8:1-2 NLT
[1] “Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, [2] along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons… “

Why did Jesus chose to reveal Himself to this Mary first after He rose from the dead? Was it because women, in Jewish culture, were not trusted to give evidence in court? What a slap in the face for that idea!

Luke 24:1, 3, 9-11 NLT
[1] “But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared….
[3] So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus….
[9] So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. [10] It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. [11] But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.”

The third Mary, Mary of Bethany, was part of a trio of siblings who lived together in a small village outside Jerusalem. How did this Mary manage to break another cultural taboo with Jesus’ approval?

Jesus often visited this home, perhaps as a refuge from the clamouring public and the incessantly hostile religious leaders. Here He was welcome and His times of teaching valued.

On one occasion, the familiar group of Jesus and the Twelve turned up for a respite. Martha, the busy one, set about preparing a meal for their guests. Mary settled down at Jesus’ feet, among the disciples, to listen to Jesus, an unheard of and unacceptable action in Jewish culture. When Martha tried to call her away to help in the kitchen, Jesus rebuked her and affirmed Mary’s break with protocol.

Once again, Luke tells the story…

Luke 10:40-42 NLT
[40] “But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” [41] But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! [42] There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This same Mary, distraught by her brother’s death and disillusioned by Jesus’ failure to arrive in time to save him, had to learn to let Jesus finish what He started before she mistrusted and judged Him. The outcome…

John 12:1-8 NLT
[1] “Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. [2] A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. [3] Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. [4] But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, [5] “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” [6] Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. [7] Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. [8] You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Where was Mary of Bethany in this event? At Jesus feet in worship and adoration acceptable to Him! Her story is forever recorded in God’s Word!

Three Mary’s, living proof of what
Jesus thought and how He treated women.

We don’t need a “Women’s Month“ to remind us of God’s intention for women in His scheme of things. If humans would only read and heed God’s Word, women would receive the respect and honour He gave us at creation.

Women need to step down from their “high horse” of feminism and step up to their place of partnership with men God gave us to share in the role of managing the earth in all its departments, for His glory.

When men and women step outside of God’s order, chaos reigns. When men and women honour God’s order, harmony prevails.

MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS

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Luke 1:26-30 NLT
[26] “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, [27] to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. [28] Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” [29]
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. [30] “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!”

The Bible tells us very little about Mary’s credentials. We know only that she was a young village girl, probably a teenager, no details given about her parents or her life,
that she was engaged to Joseph, whose genealogy is provided, that she was a chaste young girl, and that God had a special purpose for her.

God had singled her out from among all the young virgins in Israel to be the earthly mother of
Jesus, the second person of the Trinity. This child she would bear was to take the role of the Son of God for a special purpose.

To be truly man, God’s Son would need to begin His life on earth inside the womb of an earthly mother. He would be supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit but He would develop and grow as a normal foetus and come into the world through the normal process of birth.

Did Mary understand the enormity of the task ahead of her? Her young body must take the strain of pregnancy and childbirth. She must also carry the stigma of “unmarried mother” despite her innocence. In a small village community, she would be ridiculed and ostracised except for her loyal husband’s protection.

Did all these considerations race through her mind at Gabriel’s announcement? Only one question, “How will this happen?” Gabriel’s explanation was mind-boggling. Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit! Would she know how and when this would happen? What does it feel like to be pregnant, and that without human involvement?

Satisfied with the angel’s unembellshed intervention, no if’s or but’s, Mary bowed in submission to her Lord.

What was it in Mary’s life and character that earned God’s favour? Since Scripture does not expand on this, we can only speculate from the evidence we have in the Word.

Luke 1:38 NLT
[38] “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”

Trust, submission, worship! Great qualities that find favour with God! Peter expands on the attitude of a woman that gives Him pleasure.

1 Peter 3:3-5 NLT
[3]”Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. [4] You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. [5] This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands.”

Mary must surely have displayed these qualities in her young life to have found favour with God.

As we trace Mary’s story through the gospel record, she emerges as a normal Jewish mother with an unusual son who baffled her at times, who caused her great delight in His growing up years for love, submission, and His obedience to His parents. He not only honed her trust in Israel’s God, but also frustrated her with His insights and understanding of the things of God way beyond her own. Young as Jesus was, He was often her mentor and model.

Mary had to face a challenge far greater than any other mother on earth. She knew who Jesus was, the Son of God, born of her own body. She could never doubt that truth but, Jesus was also her earthly son. How was she to relate to Him, and how was she to transition in her relationship to Him from her son to her Lord?

His earthly ministry confused her. Although they grew up with Him, His brothers rejected His claims. She and her offspring thought He was crazy. They tried to intervene to save Him from His own madness, but He cut all ties with them and their responsibility to Him by identifying His true family as all those who believed in Him.

Matthew 12:46-50 NLT
[46] “As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. [47] Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” [48] Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” [49] Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. [50] Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

Mary trusted Jesus. At the wedding in Cana, when they ran out of wine, she encouraged the servants to do what He said, regardless of how strange His instruction might be. They did just that and water became wine at His word!

Mary was warned that her unique role would bring her great heartache! Simeon prophesied this part of her maternal role soon after His birth. She would process more emotional pain than many other mothers.

Our pain as mothers is often connected to the waywardness of our children. Mary suffered the terrible anguish of losing her Son because of His obedience to His heavenly Father.

John 19:25-27 NLT
[25] “Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” [27] And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.”

Comforted by Jesus’ care for her with His final breaths, she carried forever in her heart the thoughtfulness of a perfect son.

The crowning moment came when Mary finally transitioned from mother of her son, Jesus, to worshipper of Jesus, Son of God and Lord.

Mary’s memories were indelible. They would be with her until the end of her days. Mary’s place in history can never erased. She will forever be remembered as the mother of the earthly Man but, she will never be anything else…not the mother of God, not our intercessor, not immaculately conceived, not divinely protected from sin…just Mary, the village maid who was favoured to bear a son who would be the Saviour of sinners.