Scripture to Read: Luke 2:19
We have read the different responses the birth of Jesus Christ prompted from the shepherds and the people with whom they shared the Good News. After the shepherds heard the good news, they went to see it was true and shared with others what they had seen with their own eyes. Those who listened to the shepherds' testimony had a response of wonder, weighing in their hearts whether what the shepherds had shared could be true and if the promised Messiah had come. There was no wondering for Mary, though. In Mary's response, we see a heart captivated by what God had done, "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). From when the angel had announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah, to the shepherds going to see what happened, Mary treasured how God was fulfilling His plan for the salvation of His people. Mary saw God's plan as a treasure. Mary pondered (thought deeply) in her heart and meditated on God the Father's grace in sending Jesus Christ as He did. May Mary's response challenge us to have a similar posture within our hearts. We must choose to see the gospel for the treasure it is, God's plan of redemption in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we treasure the gospel, the overflow of our hearts will lead us to meditate on God's truth. Examine your heart today and consider if you treasure the gospel as you should, looking to what you meditate on as evidence of what you treasure (Psalm 119:11).
Challenge & Application
1. What stands out in Mary’s response from the other responses to the birth of Christ?
2. How are you treasuring the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of God’s Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!