I wrote this blog post before yesterday’s assassination attempt. Today, I read it with a profoundude. It’s a reassurance that God, in His wisdom, prepares us for the future. The current events sometimes seem like direct references to Biblical descriptions of the end times. God, in His mercy, forewarned us about the troubles we would face, but He also equipped His people with His grace to navigate these difficult times. We can draw inspiration from Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was promised both difficulties and blessings by being His mom. Her unwavering faith and quiet strength in navigating these challenges, as well as her perseverance and sense of gratitude for the difficulties, proved her worthy of her calling and can inspire us today.
"I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Sword to the Heart
When Jesus was an infant, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in obedience to religious law. Simeon had spoken prophetically about Jesus’ future influence and power. Yet, in the same breath, he revealed a disturbing prophecy. The prophet told Mary that a “sword will pierce through her own soul.” Mary never forgot this, but did it torment her sometimes, too? When I see the darkness in this world, I’m reminded of these trials, too. How often did she wonder if today would be her sword moment? She had to learn to trust God with the knowledge but have faith enough to avoid dread. God tells us in the Bible that difficulties will come, but to be of good cheer. With that, He gives us the tools and wisdom to prepare.
“Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35
Losing the Adolescent Son of God
I’m so thankful that God kept the account of Joseph and Mary losing the adolescent Son of God. No one is the perfect parent, even the mother of Jesus! During that three-day search for young Jesus, did Mary wonder if this was the sword moment? When they were searching the seediest parts of Jerusalem, the most dangerous and disreputable areas, looking for the young Jesus, she may have been convinced that this was it. Perhaps they worked hard to remember how a faithful God protected Jesus from Ceasar, how God directed their steps to Egypt, and how God guided them when and where to return. Perhaps common sense and logic would have told them it wasn’t for Jesus to be lost before the prophesies came true.
"but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions." Luke 2:44-46
Three Days
Sometimes, we wonder why we have to endure difficulties. During the three-day faith walk search for Jesus, perhaps God planted seeds to strengthen Mary for three fateful days when this son was 33 while the blood of the cross was fresh in her memory. Did those words of young Jesus echo in her mind, “Didn’t you know I’d be about my father’s business?” Did they comfort the grieving mother after the torturous death of her firstborn? He knew that Mary would keep these sayings in her heart; it would one day be her strength and stay. Mary had many opportunities to put aside the torment and walk in faith, so when that moment came, she was battle-ready.
"He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:49-52
Prayer
Dear Lord, we pray for all of the victims and their families of yesterday’s evil act, especially for the family of the young firefighter, husband, and father who died. I thank you, God, for preparing us for our future troubles. Please help me to remember your promises when I begin to worry. You know we will face. Help me to hear You clearly, to allow my thoughts and soul to be prepared by You for the trouble that comes. Make me battle-ready. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
