Dave’s Monday Blast – December 25, 2023

From my house to yours…I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Of course I prefer to spend the next one in Heaven with the Lord and all of you.

Like many Christ-Followers, during this time of the year, I reflect upon the incredible courage and faith of a young Jewish girl named Mary; deliberately chosen by God to be the vessel used to bring the Messiah into this sin cursed world. It amazes me to consider that the God of the Universe chose to engage His special creation in the redemptive process.

You will notice in Luke 2:17 – 19 that we gain valuable insight into the mind of Mary; her courage, faith, and her spiritual maturity are on display for all to see. While the company of shepherds, and all those who came to hear their story “listened” intently (as you can imagine), they are said to have been “surprised” by the unfolding events. However, the narrative does not indicate that young Mary was even surprised. In Luke 1:38 we simply read that she “pondered or treasured these things in her heart”. She was expectant and faithfully obedient to what she heard.  It is wonderful when we listen to God. It demonstrates good intent; it is also just a really smart idea! But for those who not only hear what God is saying, but actually act upon it, God is able to use them in powerful ways to accomplish His will. As I read this account I am also reminded of two things:

1. Mary was INTENTIONALLY prepared by her parents and community to know the Word and this resulted in a powerful faith in her God. We know this to be truth by her response to the angel and by her testimony throughout the Biblical accounts.

2. Young people have an abundance of courage and faith; perhaps this is why we see our God deliberately choosing to use young people to accomplish His purposes throughout the Scriptures, and it reminds us that we need to be purposeful to use every opportunity we have to influence young people to live for the Kingdom of God.

I am grateful to be surrounded by such an incredible community of hearers and doers, i.e. Men of INTENTION.