INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FROM THE BIBLE

Part 1:Mary-the mother of Jesus

(Based on Luke 1:26-38)

From the passage,we find a normal being(Mary) living in a sinful world-like ourselves,visited by an angel.This shows that God speaks to us,when we are in communion with him.He might not send an angel,but the Holy Spirit communicates with us and if we listen:he is able to direct our paths according to God's will.

From the passage above,Mary is defined as a virgin:and this is a lesson of how as women after God's will,we are to conduct ourselves.We must keep ourselves chaste and avoid fornication(1 Thessalonians 4:3;1 Corinthians 6:18).

Furthermore,we learn that Mary was not quick to speak.She carefully listened to what the angel said and how the angel greeted her.This teaches us that we need to listen carefully and think before we answer.In fact, we are called to be "discreet"(Titus 2:5);while James admonishes us,''wherefore my beloved brethren,let every man be swift to hear,SLOW to speak,slow to wrath''(James 1:19).

After the angel has communicated the message,she asks how things will turn out.This is a lesson to us as well,that when God has called us to something;let us ask him how he would have us go on about it.He can use the Holy Spirit to speak to us directly or he may reveal it through His Word(the bible) or in the testimonies(Spirit of Prophecy).

Again,we learn that Mary viewed herself as a servant of God and she fully comprehended her duty to God:"Behold,the handmaid of  the Lord;be it unto me according to thy word"(verse 38).When she was told she was to carry Jesus,she didn't oblige or think about what Joseph and people will say-but she obeyed at that instant-she didn't need to think about it.Even so with us.We need to be quick to  obey when God speaks to us.How many times has a message been preached,but we first need to be 'convinced' before doing it?God calls us to unconditional obedience.

When we are quick to obey,then we will be spiritually where God would have us to be.And reverse applies;if we delay obedience we are likely to be numb and end up not obeying.

It is my prayer that we will be willing vessels!