And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
It is to be noted that Mary the mother of Jesus was right there with the 120 who were in one accord with prayer and supplication. She was no doubt respected and revered as the mother of the Lord but not to the extent of being worshiped. Mary also awaited the coming of the Holy Ghost. If we need to give labels Mary was a Pentecostal member of the first church. This church was a born again, Spirit filled tongues speaking - a Pentecostal Church! And they were not ashamed to noise it abroad! Mary will forever stand out as unique..a rare woman among women...who was highly favored and blessed...and maybe we can learn from her as a woman and mother as we examine the brief inclusions of her in the Scriptures.
"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."
"And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."
As the events unfold we take note of the following:
Mary’s Caution, Curiosity, Consecration, Commitment and Courage.
Her CAUTION in her being troubled by the presence of a stranger with a seemingly flattering tongue. We need to understand that Gabriel was probably very excited about the event he was heralding of this strange adventure of His Lord! It was not just another "ho hum day" in heaven!
Her CURIOSITY at the content of the message resulting in the inevitable question, "How can this be..."
Her CONSECRATION when she said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord...!"
Her COMMITMENT in saying, "be it unto me according to thy word!"
Her COURAGE in her submission to the will of God in spite of the repercussions that may result when Joseph finds out that she is with child especially since in that time she faced death by stoning with Joseph casting the first stone!
1.We can meditate on the Word of God
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
There was a lot going on and a lot being said about this unique Son of Mary. She is aware of the circumstances surrounding His birth and the extraordinary nature of the Holy Thing that was born of her! Her realization caused her to store up and treasure every reference to Him and to ponder them in her heart. How necessary for us to do the same.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
2. We can learn to look to Him in our time of need
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine."
Mary knew of her Son’s origin and mission. She was aware that He had special abilities and looked to Him for help when the wedding was on the verge of social disaster. It is a reminder that we should remember to take it to the Lord in prayer
3. We can learn to be confidently obedient to Him!
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
Mary did not know how her son would resolve the situation. All she knew was that He would come through. her confidence in Him and His ability allowed her to relax and leave everything in His hands.
Remember:
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Php
4. We can recognize our need to be filled with the Holy Ghost
"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Mary recognized the need to be filled with the Holy Ghost and believed her Son’s promise and obeyed His command to tarry and wait for the coming of the Holy Ghost! Mary was right there among the 120 awaiting the promise of the Father...the Baptism of the Holy Ghost!
