A Handmaid And A Whisper: Part One
Posted by Scenic City Women's Network on Mar 16, 2020
by Kay Homer, Tennessee
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son.”
Who was "she"? Who was this young Jewish virgin so "highly favored" of the Lord that her firstborn son would be "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth?" (John 1:14).
Although we have little information about her, we do know her name was Mary and was profoundly from the tribe of Levi, for her cousin Elisabeth was a Levite (Luke 1:5, 36).
Mary lived in Nazareth, a small village in Galilee, which lay outside the mainstream of Jewish life. According to John 1:46, Nathanael had asked Philip, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Yet, this blessed among women (Luke 1:42) has stood as an example of humility and trust because of her sensitivity and submission to God's voice.
This young maiden knew how to praise and worship her Lord, for this was evidenced in the famous song of praise that has come to be called the "Magnificat," which Luke attributes to Mary in his gospel account (1:46-55).
How Mary arrived at this point in her life is the question that comes to mind. She had obviously established a pattern of prayer and worship in her daily life. No doubt, she was busily involved in preparing for a wedding, along with her other daily responsibilities as a young handmaiden of low estate; yet Mary heard and saw the angel Gabriel when he came to announce the upcoming birth of her son. Not only did Mary hear and see Gabriel, but she conversed with him. After Gabriel's reassuring words, "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (1:37), she willingly submitted to her heavenly Father's will (v. 38).
Mary's praise and worship was pleasing to God, causing Him to look upon her with favor. If you want the favor of God, offer Him your praise and submit to your heavenly Father's will. Read Mark 3:35.
Re-printed with permission from the author Kay Homer, in the book "A Book of Cherished Moments For Women" R: Devotional from Pg. 374 "A Handmade And A Whisper".