July 18 Ponder the Treasure

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
 
I’VE often pictured Mary looking at the newborn Jesus and considering all the events that have led her to this moment. As Luke uses the word “treasured” it indicates to us that Mary is putting great value on what God is doing. God came to her, a virgin, and he guided her to the miracle of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. The Lord led Joseph to accept a pregnant virgin bride (see Matthew 1:20-21). Then the Spirit led them to this manger this night to declare the glory of the Lord come to earth.
     Treasuring these events, Mary surely thought of the Lord’s favor upon her and the world. Most assuredly she pondered that many more miracles were to come from God, his angels and his Savior Son. She, of faith, would treasure God’s choosing her; she would treasure his plan for her future and Israel’s future. This is what the prophets had proclaimed for generations! She held the prophetic utterings in her arms! Pondering this miraculous reality, Mary was certainly emotionally and spiritually preparing herself for a life of great responsibility. She would watch this boy grow into manhood. Each day of his life in her home, Jesus would certainly cause Mary’ to celebrate and wonder at what God had done.
     Certainly, too, Mary treasured what God would do.
     That is the message of the Savior come to Bethlehem. Treasure the wonder of God’s grace. Open your eyes, heart, mind and soul to celebrate the great miracle of salvation God has given you through the Savior. Ponder your future with Jesus.
     Will you treasure these things in your heart?  
 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I treasure the wonder of you to come so personally into the world and into my life. In Jesus I rejoice. Amen.