Blog

• All in

How do you picture Jesus? A baby in the manger? Crucified on the cross? Absent from the tomb? Dwelling in your heart?

How do you think Mary pictured Jesus?

We know that Mary treasured all these things in her heart as Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.

When Mary saw Jesus turn the water to wine in Cana, did she see Him as the Christ, or as the little boy who ate and drank from her table?

When Jesus healed the sick, did she think back to the times when His brothers and sisters were sick at home?

We see Mary appear at various times during Jesus’ ministry. She seems to be a dedicated follower, but I wonder how much she knew about the child she had carried in her womb.

A recent reflection on the account in Luke 1 and her song of praise provided me with a new perspective—one that affirms why she was chosen to carry the Christ child.

When the angel first appeared to Zechariah, he responds with doubt, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1:18).

However, Mary’s response, while one of surprise, questions the angel with a different spirit, “How can this be?” She doesn’t ask whether or not it is possible. She does not respond with doubt, but with belief and a request for clarification. She was ALL IN.

Then, her response immediately transitions to one of submission—humble acceptance of what God has called her to. ALL IN.

If I were Mary, I would’ve had a million questions: What if Joseph won’t marry me? What if others don’t believe me and I am stoned? Why me? How can I be sure? You’ve been silent for 400 years...
Yet she did not respond in any of those ways. How did she respond? In praise. ALL IN.

Luke 1:46-55 is the text of her song and prayer in praise (below)
.
Do you know what Magnificat means? “My soul glorifies or magnifies the Lord.” Magnifies: makes bigger (like a magnifying glass). Mary recognizes immediately that it is not about her. It’s all about God. She is only a vessel. ALL IN.

In her prayerful song, Mary thanks God and praises His name, recognizing His character and His actions. That’s it. ALL IN.

If that had been my song, I would’ve included some requests—that is most often the focus of my prayers.

I am inspired by Mary’s example of humble submission, and of praise. No doubts. No requests. No self-glorification. My soul magnifies the Lord, ALL IN.

How can your life be a magnificat today, an expression of “ALL IN”?

Luke 1:46-55
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

How can your life be a magnificat today, an expression of “ALL IN”?

#IronRoseSister #IRSM #allin #magnificat #praise #idontknowwhatsgoingtohappenbutYOUdo

• All in

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 (ESV)

On a cold Friday morning in January, I took a moment to listen to the snow fall. You may think it has no sound, but that was the beauty of the stillness on that winter morning.

I stepped away from the buzz of my hard drive, the melodious ring of my phone, and the ping of notifications that demanded my attention. All of those things could wait.

Just as my yard was made new by a blanket of snow, my perspective on life and all my frustrations were made new from my time alone with God, listening to the snow fall.

In order to truly and fully listen, I engaged all of my senses. I love the smell of fresh snow and the texture is fun to feel, even on my gloved hands. The crunch under my feet adds to the sound of it falling, but only if I listen carefully through the red hat I have pulled tightly over my ears.

Watching the flakes fall of all different weights and sizes, I am enamored by the ones caught by the wind—the ones that tumble through the sky as they fall to the ground. Makes it harder to catch one to taste, but I love the way it melts on my tongue and moistens my breath.

Can you hear and taste the snow with me? Are you listening?

Listening is more than hearing a sound.

Growing up, my parents used to say, “I need you to listen with your eyes.” They were calling for our full and undivided attention.

Listening takes place through all five senses. We taste and see that the Lord is god. And to be All In with our listening, I must use all five senses.

Today, as you savor that perfect cup of coffee, sip of tea, or morsel of food, may you be reminded to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8). Are you a fragrant offering to the Father? Have you touched the life of others through the ways God has touched your life? May we listen and see the promises of God when we are ALL IN with Him.

Taken from portions of Called to Listen: Forty Days of Devotion

#IronRoseSister #IRSM #calledtolisten #areyoulistening #fivesenses #allin