Missing in Action
I have a few manger scenes that are specifically for kids. This one usually had some creative additions among its cast. Some years, HeMan and Sherra have been added along with a My Little Pony. Some years, Kermit and Miss Piggy toys are the Christmas story extras. The picture shows an owl that has been part of the scene for many years.
You may have noticed Mary and Joseph are missing from the picture. I’m sure when I have time, I’ll find them. At the end of a visit, the grandkids toss everything in one of the 10 drawers where the toys are stashed in the living room cabinets. I used to have the entire Little People entourage so the toys are bound to be there unless I have given them to Missy to fill out the set she has.
Mary and Joseph missing – Hmm. Sounds like a Grammie Musing subject.
Have you ever thought about Mary’s response to the angel? It is interesting the words used in that story. It says she was greatly troubled as the angel first greeted her. She must have been one brave young lady! I should think it would have been more frightening than troubling.
Yet, the angel’s words would thrill the heart of any person. ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ But the truth is, every believer is favored by God who loves us with an outrageous love!
Can we claim the words, ‘The Lord is with you’ as our own promise? The Scriptures repeatedly assure us of God’s holy presence as we trust in Him. The resurrected Jesus gave the marching orders for believers and then gave the promise, ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’
The angel then said to not be afraid and told her what was to occur. She wasn’t belligerent and didn’t resist his proclamation. If you know anything about teenage girls, her attitude was unusual for that gender at that age!
She displayed curiosity. Again, an admirable quality.
She was even more impressive as she spoke these words – ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.’
Time after time in Scripture we are shown the blessings of willingly and immediately following God’s instructions compared to those who chose to rebel. Jeremiah 7:23 says God gave a command and promise. ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ May I always say like Mary, ‘I am the Lord’s servant!’
Then there is poor old Joseph. Bless his heart! How he must have struggled with the news of Mary being pregnant. And what a story! He was in a tough situation, but God was gracious and sent an angel to him in a dream. With the assurance that Mary’s child was indeed divinely produced, Joseph obeyed and took Mary home to be his wife.
Mary and Joseph would bear society’s criticism and disbelief of the happenings. Yet, they both obeyed. They were more willing to have God’s favor than society’s approval.
Which makes me wonder and question my own response not only to God’s word but the inner promptings I feel at times to witness. Do I let my own imperfections keep me from telling of God’s greatness? Do I let my fear of what others may think keep me from sharing what God’s Spirit has specifically instructed me to do?
When I am ‘missing in action’ and refuse the call of God, are those within my realm of influence missing a chance to hear of God’s love?
Isaiah 6 tells of the interaction between Isaiah and God. ‘Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom shall I send as a messenger to My people? Who will go?’ Isaiah replied, ‘Lord, I’ll go! Send me.’
As I have entered a different stage of life where I can no longer physically work with little ones like I used to, I pray daily for opportunities to share God’s love with everyone around me. May I never be Missing in Action!
Blessings
Kara Beth
