Thursday, March 14

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Numbers 21:1–22:20

Luke 1:26–56

Psalm 57:1–11

Proverbs 11:9–11

 

In today’s reading from Numbers, we witness further grumbling from the disgruntled Israelites:

 

“They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom.  But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert?  There is no bread!  There is no water!  And we detest this miserable food!’”

 

 

Subsequently, the people receive a plague of venomous snakes, but God graciously provides relief through a snake-staff.

 

 

In stark contrast, we learn of Mary’s welcoming the work of God in and through her life.  Uniquely among Biblical characters who meet an angel, she doesn’t act rashly in the presence of the Lord’s messenger.  While she wonders about the miraculous conception – “How will this be since I am a virgin?” – she trusts in God’s handiwork and plan.  Though likely only 15 years of age, she demonstrates great resolve and humility:  “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said.”  With Elizabeth, we recognize Mary as “blessed,” as “she… has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

 

The world’s wisdom urges our rebellion-leaning hearts to disbelief and doubt, arguing that trusting God at His Word points to, at best, naiveté or, at worst, foolishness.  Yet, the testimony of Scripture is crystal-clear:  “the righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).  Paul speaks of the crucified Christ in this manner:

 

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.   For it is written:

 

“‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’

 

“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

 

 

Similarly, Mary might have shrugged off the angel’s message as “foolishness.”  Instead, she rejoiced in God’s promises for her:

 

“My soul glorifies the Lord,

                and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.”

 

 

While Nazareth plays a crucial role as Jesus’s hometown, it did not represent a prominent city in Biblical times.  Archaeologist James F. Strange explained:  “Nazareth is not mentioned in ancient Jewish sources earlier than the third century.  This likely reflects its lack of prominence both in Galilee and Judea.”  Furthermore, a teenage girl in this humble village would have appeared, at least in the world’s eyes in ancient Israel, as insignificant.  Yet, God had planned magnificent things for her and her Child.

 

Mary’s song, also called the “Magnificat” for its first words when rendered in Latin, highlights the rewards flowing to humility, God’s sovereignty over every ruler, and the inevitability slipperiness of pride:

 

“His mercy extends to those who fear him,

                from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

                he has scattered those who are

proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

                but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

                but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

                remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

                even as he said to our fathers.”

 

 

While we will not play parallel roles to Mary, her humble circumstances may provide a great encouragement to all of us who seek to bring glory and honor to God.  While He has clearly provided giftings for His children – most importantly, His Word and His presence through the Holy Spirit – we may become overwhelmed when considering the enormity of the Kingdom task and the greatness of our limitations.  These reflections demoralize me.

 

Still, like Mary, we will reach success if we faithfully and humbly follow God’s call in our lives.  Fully submitted to Him, we become His servant-warriors.  Along with Mary, May we all live out Micah 6:8: 

 

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

                And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.”

 

QUESTIONS

1.       Where have you grumbled this week?  What might that say about your heart-condition?

2.       What may you take away from Mary’s example of humility and servanthood?

 

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