One quiet night in Nazareth
God’s angel came to tell
Sweet Mary as she sat alone
Of God Immanuel
As Mary listened, she believed
God’s great eternal plan
“But how,” she asked “Could He choose me?
When I don’t know a man?”
In kind reply the angel said
“God’s Spirit soon will come
And by His shadow cover you
To make this child His Son
“And He will be the Lamb of God
The gift all may receive
Filled by God’s grace and truth with love.”
And Mary just believed!
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
Luke 1:45 ESV
Mary Just Believed
By Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2025
All rights reserved
Mary
Mary Believed
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
Luke 1:45 ESV
One quiet day in Nazareth, as Mary sat alone, her solitude was broken by an angel. Now, I don’t know about you, but if an angel, suddenly appeared in front of me I would be either terrified, or ready to fight. But this was no ordinary angel and though Mary appeared quite ordinary, she possessed the rare quality that only God knew about: she was ready to believe. Yes, she was from the right family (David’s) she lived at the right time, (the fulness of time) and was engaged to the right guy (Joseph), but God’s message did not find a home in her because of those things. God’s Final Word – His Son – was conceived in her because she believed. Though, Mary did have a question, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” which was certainly a valid point! How wonderful that God does not become angry when we ask honest questions, but He gives us answers that will require our belief to take a second step.
And Mary’s belief led her to the step of obedience, “Let it be to me according to your word.” To be like Mary, our belief must move beyond our correct theology. We may be on the right path, but if we don’t walk down it, we will never get to its destination. Nine months later, Mary gave birth on Christmas because she said “Yes,” every day from believing God’s message, till the first breath of Jesus in Bethlehem. Then after Mary carried her child those nine long months, amazing things began to happen. Shepherds came worshipping, wise men arrived with gifts, and Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Where are you in your journey with Jesus? Have you received and believed the good news? Have you walked a long quiet time while God’s promise grew large in your heart? Have you given birth in a stable when you hoped it would be a more proper home? Don’t ever give up. God keeps His promises, and miracles will happen, if we believe that we can treasure in our hearts forever!
Outside the Tomb
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.” John 20:11 ESV
After everyone had left the tomb that morning, still Mary remained. First, the soldiers fled, after first passing out in fear when they saw an angel roll back the stone. Then the women who had come with Mary, returned home once they saw that Jesus was no longer there. Finally, even Peter and John came, but only stayed for a moment before walking away. But Mary, overwhelmed by confusion, grief, and something more that she just couldn’t put into words, stood outside the tomb.
Many of us stand with Mary this morning. A friend has lost his battle with cancer, a wife or husband has walked away, or a child has chosen things we prayed they would never happen. No explanation makes any sense, and most difficult of all is that no one stands with us. No one that is, until…
“And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.” John 20:12
When we stoop to look into the tomb, God gives something more. In Mary’s case, that something more began with angels, but for us it could be a phone call from a friend, a neighbor stopping by or even a Christian song heard on the radio. God has not abandoned us. He has not forgotten. Our weeping does come, but it comes to pass. It washes through us like tidal wave, but after it passes, there are angels, messengers of God, sent to ask us a question and calm our hearts.
They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” John 20:13
Notice, the angels didn’t say, “Stop it! Jesus is alive! Don’t worry be happy!” God understands the fragile nature of our heart, and He tenderly begins His work of restoration with a gentle question. Why are we weeping? Where is the source of our hope? Then as tears begin to dry and calm creeps into our hearts, Jesus Himself comes, though we may not yet recognize Him.
Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:14
Again, the message God brings, is not a loud, “Cheer up!” It comes with a question, asked this time from His very lips, “Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?…” God does not demand hope, command us to smile or require laughter. He comes with a hand to brush tears away and an ear to listen to our needs.
Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” John 20:15b-16a
He has come, calmed our hearts, and listened to our prayer. Now we are ready. He has gently prepared us to hear His message of hope, and that begins when we hear Him call our name. If you are struggling, in despair, grief or feeling hopeless, don’t give up. All you may have left is like that empty tomb, but don’t walk away. God knows your heart. He is listening, and He is coming, though we may not recognize Him at first. That’s okay! Jesus is standing near, though He might look like the gardener! He remembers you. He has come, and He is calling your name!
praise2worshipdotnet 
You must be logged in to post a comment.