SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER

SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER

So far the details of the Advent have included the movements of the heavenly bodies and the timely placement of illustrious people. Mary was none of the above; and much like Mary, the great majority of us come from somewhat obscure backgrounds with reputations and merits that require Divine intervention if we are to be included in the well-designed purposes of Jehovah. It would seem, however, that most people qualify for inclusion in the Divine intentions of history simply because all the glory must go to God and not the participants. “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;” (1Co.25:26). Would all those who have been proclaimed throughout the land as being wise, mighty and noble please raise their hand?

While the person of Mary was not lauded and acclaimed before she gave birth to the Christ Child, she was notably prepared for her inclusion in the Christmas story. In following the lineage of Joseph we discover that he was a descendant of Abraham and of David (for the Jews looked to the father’s lineage rather than the mother’s and Jesus was referred to as “the carpenter’s son” in Matt.13:55). Matthew Henry shows us that Mary and Joseph were of the same tribe. As Jesus was not just any son, we must also realize that Mary was not just anybody’s daughter. Mary was a daughter of Abraham. Though she had no personal bragging rites or achievements to speak of, she was foreordained to bear the Son of the Most High God. The line of Abraham and David was carefully guarded by Jehovah and Mary was part of that line of preparation even though her name was not renown. People did not walk around pointing at Mary and proclaiming, “Keep an eye on that young lady. She is in line to do great things for Yahweh.” In fact, as we shall see, the house of David from which she is descended is buried in obscurity. But when we read the oft-repeated phrase “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” we are being reminded of the faithfulness of God to perform that which He has promised.  “…yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.” (Rom 4:20-21, NAS)  “For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples,” (Lk 2:30-31, NAS).

When Matthew calls Jesus the son of David and the son of Abraham (Mt. 1:1) he is showing that God is faithful to His promise. God will make good every word that He has spoken including the bringing forth of Messiah through lineage that He has prepared and protected. “The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,” (Isa 14:24, NAS)  “For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate {it}  And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Isa 14:27, NAS)  “Even from eternity I am He; and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” (Isa 43:13, NAS)  “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;” (Isa 46:10, NAS)  “So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding {in the matter} for which I sent it.” (Isa 55:11, NAS)

(This is the third of four excerpts from Marty’s article “Wisemen, A Star and Somebody’s Daughter“ which was published in SEEC Magazine [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine].)

Marty & Kathy Gabler invite you to read their
articles in the latest issue of SEEC Magazine.
Volume 19 Issue 6  December2015/January2016
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