Mary: Pious

Mary was pious, in the very best sense of the word, and there’s no doubt about it! So what does that tell us? Among other things, before Gabriel’s visitation, Mary was devoted to God! And that’s an excellent thing! Webster’s dictionary defines piety as the quality of being religious or reverent. Since some view it as an unflattering, archaic term, let’s clarify what it means to be pious. Piety describes one who is devotional, godly, reverent, worshipful, prayerful, religious, sacred, virtuous, and unworldly. From what we can see in scripture, those words define Mary, even though she was a teenager at Gabriel’s visitation and annunciation of glad tidings. How young? We don’t know specifically, but scholars agree she was no more than 15. That’s young, indeed. By today’s standards, Mary was not old enough to drive a car, drink alcohol, vote, or enlist in the armed services. Yet she was perfect for this most coveted call of women. Mary was handpicked to birth the Savior - the Christ child - Jesus, the Messiah, who would live to die for the sins of the world.

I dare say, no other call to motherhood has been so weighty or meaningful. Although I’m a mother myself, and each birth was a huge, life-changing event for me, it is not the same because Jesus was God in the flesh, our Savior, who lived to die and dwelt among men. Indeed, the benefits of His divine birth were born in the trinity. It was the Godhead’s unique plan to send Jesus to love us, save us, die for us, and reconcile us to God. Everything went according to plan and through His sacrifice on Calvary, Jesus’ blood has covered all sins - past, present, and future. Although His holy blood atones for all transgressions, there is a caveat. You must believe to receive the benefits in this present life and throughout eternity. But the moment you believe, it’s accomplished. Instantly you’re swept into the family of faith and become a child of God. Your eternal destiny is forever changed, and you are heaven bound! Incredibly, even the faith to believe is God’s unearned gift of grace to sinners!

Did Mary anticipate her call? No, but she longed for God and knew Him, reverenced Him, and loved Him. Moreover, something in her heart and her devoted love for God’s Word and hope in it made her a standout among women. How do I know? I see it in God’s Word. The Bible records, “Having come in, the angel [Gabriel] said to her [Mary], “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28). (Emphasis added.) One scholar noted that Mary had been “graced” by God. I love that term! That means God’s unearned, unmerited favor rested on Mary. By the way, it rests on us, too, even if we live unaware. Lest we forget, humanity bears God’s image, and His living Spirit abides in believers.

Soon after Mary’s conception, she departed for the outskirts of Jerusalem to visit her elder cousin, Elizabeth. Indeed, she found Elizabeth as Gabriel described - visibly pregnant - great with child. As prophesied to Zacharias, Elizabeth who was infertile until old age was also called to birth greatness. In three short months, Elizabeth would welcome her son, John, the forerunner of Jesus. He grew to become John the Baptist, of whom Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).

Although the Bible records no qualifiers surrounding Mary’s call, we gain some insight when examining her words to Elizabeth at their greeting. Watch closely! Mary not only knew God and His Word, but she believed every jot and tittle with every fiber of her being. That’s not mere speculation on my part either. Before Gabriel departed, Mary declared: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be unto me according to your words” (Luke 1:38). To my way of thinking, no confession has been more sacrificial than this. In these words, Mary yielded herself to God - mind, body, spirit, and soul. It wasn’t a temporary vow either, but for all the days of her life. Upon so doing, there was no turning back. To her pledge, Mary would remain faithful. What did Mary confess to Elizabeth? The Bible records:

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength in His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.’” (Luke 1:46-55). (Emphasis added.)

Yes, Mary knew the Holy scriptures - God’s Word was written on her heart. There’s no other way to explain Mary’s knowledge of the Abrahamic covenant. Even though many believe that Mary was illiterate like most of the girls of her day and locale, as God’s Spirit so moved, she confessed to Elizabeth what reigned supremely in her heart. Undoubtedly her faith in God’s promises strengthened her and governed her heart amid these harsh days of Roman oppression. When Gabriel appeared to Mary, did you notice that she was taking her respite on a hillside overlooking Nazareth? I bet she often went there to seek God’s presence and rejoice in Him - and, perhaps daily! From her eloquent confession, it’s clear that Mary’s hope rests in nothing less than God’s Word and His unfailing love, plans, and promises!

What’s the takeaway? As it has been from the beginning, God is not looking for great exploits and perfection - only faith in Him. He knows we’re not perfect, but God makes us righteous, nonetheless, by faith. Even still, He’s looking for faith on the earth. That’s wholehearted faith in Him and not mere lip service! Believing God and trusting His Word, as Mary demonstrated, should be the deep desire of our hearts, and then we should share it! Remember, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Indeed, Mary’s did! May our words be as meaningful, lovely, and true as Mary’s, and may they lead to our birthing great acts of love and mercy, too, in the precious name of Jesus.

Prayer: Give us Mary hearts! Fill us, Lord, with love and understanding and then pour us out as we endeavor to serve you in these tumultuous times. Guide us, Jesus, and align our lives with our lips that we would live what we confess to your renown and great glory! Amen and amen.