In Luke, we find Mary leaning into curiosity as she ponders the story of the shepherds and how they came to find her and Jesus (Luke 2:19). And before that moment, she wondered how she would become pregnant as a virgin, asking the angel, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34). Farther back in the story we read that she was troubled and discerning when the angel first greeted her and called her “favored one” (Luke 1:29). What we find in Mary is not a silent woman who is stepped all over, but a woman who thinks deeply, considers her situation, and is curious about what God is up to. She is also a woman who moves and acts, knowing that she cannot carry this calling alone. She carries it to her cousin (Luke 1:39).
Ask
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
not alone
Mary runs to share her reality and curiosity with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth rejoices in the magnificent and miraculous words of God. Elizabeth pours blessing out on Mary. She speaks love and truth, and she shares in the work God is doing in her as well, attesting to the reality of what Mary is going through (Luke 1:40–45). Mary is not alone.
Both women carry a physical miracle. As Elizabeth has experienced the shame of barrenness, Mary is subject to the judgment of her virgin birth and eventual pain and humiliation of her son. Elizabeth knows Mary needs her love, support, and a reminder of God’s presence with her. She offers this joyfully. Both women are in awe of God’s wondrous works, and they share in it together.
cultivating wonder
As the women shared in wonder, they cultivated curiosity and gave courage. Many of us have lost our sense of wonder. Throughout the years we were quieted, we were told we asked too many questions, or maybe we were told we should not ask questions. Questions, wonder, and curiosity were the enemies of truth. Yet these things lead to deeper and richer truth. The exploration of our doubts and voicing our questions grows in us space to receive what God may be saying in different ways through a variety of people. After all, God is a creator! His creativity is far beyond our imagination, and we will never out-question God! We are invited to stay curious, listen to God, and connect in community. In community we share, we receive, and we explore what God is doing and saying in each of us. We pay attention to how he is moving through others, remaining open to new ways he is revealing his truth. We stay curious and we see the beauty of his creativity in and through his creation. We don’t want to miss it!
Watch Session One
Jesus Equips the Ordinary
Daily Question
Who has been your source of community and connection lately? Who points you to Jesus?
Comments (3)
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I have a group of women, there’s five of us, who are all different ages and stages in life, attend different churches and are followers of Christ. This is where I go when I need to share the things I hear God saying that scares me or when I am not sure if what I’m hearing is truly Him. This is also the group of women that reminds me what God has already said in His Word when I tend to forget and the ones that at times speak out loud words that He has only spoken to me in private. I am so thankful for this group of friends. I cherish them and am so humbled to be in community with them. We have all grown deeper in our faith, closer to Christ and have taken steps toward our purpose while meeting together over the past few years. It has been a true blessing.
My husband is my best friend and main community right now. I worry about him, as he goes to work everyday shuttling special needs folks and the elderly to their various appointments. I know there is a possibility of being exposed to this virus. I have to let that go, turn it over to God. I also zoom a couple times per week with my 3 besties. And I check in with my adult kids who live in distant cities. Then, of course, my students and colleagues with whom I meet pretty much everyday. This is my community. Wow, in thinking about what I have just typed, I realize how fortunate I am to have this widespread community of loving, caring, dedicated people who love and support me, even while not leaving my house! God is good!!
My source of community and connection has been, of course my immediate family husband and 2 daughters, but also the worship team I serve on at church. We have been doing zoom meetings, and bible studies through the holy bible app that lets us comment daily about our readings. My husband has been stepping up and pointing me to Jesus. I am still working on stopping the ‘spirals’ and when he see’s them coming helps bring me back to the truth. I have 2 close girl friends that we also meet each other going during this time and picking out the positives. It’s great to see in this that we are supposed to have others , Mary and Elizabeth. It’s definitely against the norm of the society now that makes u think you have to do it all yourself.