One foot, the next foot, walking down the road, the pace of one foot in front of the other allows you to take in your surroundings, observe. Sandal lacings loosen as they warm up during the day, perhaps small stones slip in every once in a while causing bruises. Mary journeys from Nazareth to Judea, about an eleven hour trip on foot. This time would have given Mary a chance to think, to process what had just happened. There is a life growing inside of her, and with that she risks many things. Mary chose obedience at great risk to herself, her reputation, and her plans.
Journeys are such a wonderful time to think and take a break from your daily routine, maybe even break out of your daily routine. The time Mary would have had might have been a mental and emotional time of refreshment for her. Can you imagine the turmoil she faced back home? She is an unmarried woman, engaged, seeing an angel, pregnant – what will happen next is Mary’s guess. I would imagine that she has started trying to figure out what she will do next, where God will want her to go. Note, that Mary didn’t doddle on her way to Judea, she hurried.
Our earlier time with Luke led to the introduction of an angel who passed along this amazing news to Mary and very specifically told her about her relative, Elizabeth. God knew that Mary was going to need support, and thought no one was exactly in her place, Mary could find needed support. Afterall, Elizabeth was in her own very special situation, Zechariah was still unable to speak and Elizabeth was now about six months pregnant. Mary hurried to a source of comfort and security that God gave her.
When God gives us a task, we often fight against it.
No God, I don’t think that that is really what I should do. I think I should do this other thing instead. Just a thought really….
Yet, the more we fight against what God has planned for us, the more often find ourselves absolutely miserable. When we accept, even though we may be very uncomfortable with the task before us - God provides support. And not only is the support present, but the promise still exists for us as it did for Mary; “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," (Deuteronomy 31:6-7).
If you are facing a task of obedience, what comfort has God provided you? What promises can you cling to and be reminded that the Lord – the one who sent an angel to Mary, will NEVER leave or forsake you?
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