We may put our yearnings in categories of disease, guilt, shame, disappointment, loneliness, emptiness, hopelessness, betrayal, or death's looming shadow. But we're all empty vessels, and sadly we too very often seek to fill ourselves with all the wrong things. Mary may have been different, and for that reason chosen to bear the Son of God. Salvation comes to us by God's grace - from first to last. But those of noble character - though no more saved by grace than you or me - find God's favor in unique ways. And although Mary found favor with God, she would still need herself a Savior. The Child that [she] delivered would soon deliver [her.] We're all broken, but character before God matters.
Mary is a bit unlike David or Saul of Tarsus. They both had to have a sharp rebuke in order to be shaped more fully to God's purpose and plan. Mary's would be much more gentle (cf. Matthew 12:46-50). But Mary had found favor with God. I yearn for that as well. I hope to find it. I pray that you do too, dear reader. I pray that you do too.
