Great
Expectations
by Rebecca Wooddell
December 11, 2012
Scripture Reading: Luke
1:30-33
Mary was
described in scripture as highly favored in the eyes of God and
because of that, she was given an amazing charge. She was to be
the mother of God’s own son! The responsibility and
implications are staggering. What if God had asked you? Mary
was obedient and willing, truly a beautiful spirit. Mary was charged
to raise Jesus in a manner pleasing to God and worthy of His
calling.
As
Mary was charged in the rearing of Jesus, so are we charged in the
training up of our own children and future generations. God
blesses us with little ones, just as He blessed Mary, and He has
great expectations. Like Mary, we should be obedient and
willing to follow God’s lead in the direction of our children’s
lives. Every child that crosses the path of our lives does so
with a purpose, whether it be our own children, grandchildren,
students, neighbors or church youth. We are responsible to do
everything in our ability to point them in the direction of their
Heavenly Father.
Trusting
in God and in His plan, we must consider the future of those children
in our care. Just as Mary must have been in awe at the future of
Jesus, God also has great plans in store for those He loves and
calls. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.”
We
must look to God for guidance just as the wise men looked to the star
that night so long ago. The bright star was a brilliant symbol
of God’s hope, promise, and love. As Mary held the Light of
the World in her arms, with her heart bursting with love and joy, she
must have gazed at that star and felt the great expectation of His
life.
The
star may no longer be visible in the sky to lead others to Christ,
but we
are visible.
We are called to be beacons of light in a dark world. Matthew 5:14-16
says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be
hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in
the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that
they many see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Let
us shine for Jesus this season, being obedient to His call, and
vigilant to His direction. Let us also trust God in the
beautiful plan He has for each of our lives, and let us hope in the
future of every child that God allows to touch our lives.
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