“Contemporary women should be encouraged by women who, in the scriptures, helped spread the message of the kingdom. Men and women were created in the image of God, and both were used mightily by Him. “Thomas R. Schreiner, (quote from the book Man and Woman)
“Although these women lived in a very different time from our own, they faced the same challenges as us; they were daughters, wives, and mothers; young people, adults and the elderly; have had to face mysteries such as life and death, faith. and doubt, joy and sadness. As we study his examples, we are taught in God’s ways and discover the pattern of our present life. ?Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth (quote from the book Christian Woman)
- In fact.
- The Lord has graciously given us many examples of women who have been used by him in the most diverse times and circumstances.
- Leaving us.
- Contemporary women.
- With distinctive marks that help us live lives that glorify God and bear witness to Christ.
- At a time when personal references and accomplishments are so appreciated.
- We must return to the scriptures and learn from those women who placed all their trust in the Lord and who depended entirely on Him.
- Recognizing that God’s grace saves us.
- Allows us to all.
- Work well and do wonders through us and despite ourselves.
One of these women was Mary of Nazaré, mother of Jesus, and I would like to bring you here some situations and reflections.
The first is in Luke 1. 28, in the angel’s greeting: “Hello, very favored!Will the Lord not really be used by God, if he is not with us, if his grace?Undeserved favor, is it not widespread in our lives, and that’s exactly what the angel said:
Has Mary received God’s grace?
This is what Moses says in Exodus 33. 16: “For how can we know that we find through your eyes, me, and your people?Isn’t it on the ground with us, that we and your people may be separated from all?the peoples of the earth?
Have we sought God’s grace and presence in our lives so that we can be separated from people?
Mary was willing to do God’s will and, although she knew the struggles to come and with all the uncertainties she lived, even when her plans and expectations were interrupted (she was married) and her world deranged, she could still sing a Song of Praise to the Lord (Luke 1:46-56). She fell like a servant, ready to do the will of her Lord, recognized the Lord’s powerful hand that does wonders and exalted god with his salvation.
Have we put our lives at the service of the Lord, with such will and joy?With joy and thanksgiving, “for great things he has done for us the valiant”
Mary was a humble woman, who gratefully received the Lord’s favor, knowing that she would be in “sadness”?Of Jesus (?Will it be great? Lk 1:32), and recognizing that he was not worthy of God’s favor ( ?Why did you pay attention to the humility of your servant?Lk 1:48).
He also used his influence to direct others to Christ, encouraging them to follow him and obey him, as we see at the weddings of Cana (?Do as he tells you? John 2. 5). In verses 1 and 2, we see that Mary was already in Cana of Galilee and that Jesus was also invited to the wedding, this and the fact that the employees listened to and followed her instructions to obey Jesus, emphasize that she was not only there. as a guest, but that she had some importance and influence in the event, but she still pointed to Jesus and said, “Don’t look at me, look at him, she can give you something much better than I could ever be (I believe it!)
And have we tried to point out Christ, those over whom we have had an influence?And have we received any counsel from those who point to Christ?Or do we feel comfortable with the role and are we trying to get things right for ourselves?Way?
Finally, Mary had a strong, active and persevering faith. Throughout the narrative of the Gospel, we see Mary faithfully following Jesus at every stage of her ministry, meditating on everything that has happened, in communion with the disciples and serving Jesus and his disciples. “with the other women who have accompanied him. ” Even after Jesus’ burial, when he experienced great sadness and discouragement, he remained in communion with others. Mary had the great joy of receiving first-hand the news that Jesus had risen and the task of proclaiming the disciples (Mk 16:6-7).
Even after Christ’s ascension, she did not rest; he joined others, persevering in prayer, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ (Acts 1:14).
To what extent have we exercised our faith, persevered in prayer and witness? Heb 3. 13; Col. 3: 16; Salt 133)?
The Lord was blessed with grace and blessed us with examples as rich in teachings as we have seen. May he work in us both to love and to realize, to follow Jesus and to reflect the image of Christ, our Savior.