Jump Start # 1003

Luke 1:30 “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”

  The Bible doesn’t tell us when Jesus was born. Because the shepherds were in the field and Caesar called for a census, it seems more likely to have been in the spring and not December. More than that, the Bible doesn’t show the early church celebrating the birth of Jesus. His birth is important. Born of a virgin fulfilled prophecies that were centuries old. God coming as a baby, not with trumpets blowing, upon a white horse as most might expect was completely a surprise. Born in a manger, not a palace. Born to a common woman, not a queen. Everything about the birth of Jesus was not the way man would have scripted it.

Our verse today tells us why Mary. Why was Mary chosen? She had found favor with God. That is something we’d expect. God would send Jesus to a believer. It is commonly thought, based upon traditions and customs from the times, that Mary was a teenager, possibly 15 years old. Maybe 17 years old. A pregnant unwed teenager doesn’t make the news around here. It did back then. What impresses me is the fact that a teenager found favor with God.

Too often we discount teenagers. We hear of the horror stories from so many. The drugs, the rebellion, the prodigals, the lack of interest in all things spiritual—is far too common among teenagers in many churches. Some have done all kinds of things to help the kids stay together inside and out. Churches have developed youth ministers and special activities to keep the young people interested. A sad tale is being reported  after a generation of youth ministers, youth activities, youth programs, and churches who have geared things toward the youth. It didn’t help. The stats indicate with all the youth stuff, young people are still dropping out and disengaging from the Lord in great numbers. The youth stuff didn’t change things. All the hype was just that, hype. Food, fun, and activities didn’t generate a spiritual spark that the experts thought would happen.

And here is Mary, a teenager that found favor with the Lord. I doubt that she had youth ministers or Friday night youth activities at the Temple. And there is Mary, a teenager that the Lord saw something in her heart. There is Mary, who most likely never traveled very far, didn’t write any great story, whose life was just beginning to blossom and the Lord found favor with her. She was common to man, but special to God.

The Bible doesn’t tell us what the Lord saw, but we know what the Lord saw in others. There was young David, years before, also a teenager, out watching his father’s sheep. God saw his heart and sent Samuel to anoint him as the next king of Israel. Alone in the fields, God heard those hymns he sang to the sheep. God was aware of his observations about spiritual matters. God saw what no one else saw, even his family. I expect Mary was much like that. Too often we judge spirituality based upon accomplishments and success and not the heart. Having a spiritual heart, Mary would have been kind and caring to others. Mary would have prayed for others. Mary would have had a grateful heart. Mary was obedient. As a teenager, she was a virgin. Pure.  It is this atmosphere that Jesus would have been influenced, taught and raised. God chose someone He could count on. God chose someone who would be responsible, dependable and spiritual. Mary found favor with the Lord.

I know teenagers all across this country who are like Mary. They come to services and worship. They have their Bibles opened, as well as their eyes. They sing out. They stick around and talk with older folks. They are kind to preachers, like me. Years ago, I was preaching in a college town for a few days. A group of college students invited me over to their apartment for pizza. They were fun and engaged and very excited about the Lord. I have known teenagers who have gone overseas to help share the message about Jesus. I have seen teenagers show up on a Saturday morning at the church building to help clean up. Someone in the congregation needs help moving, you can be sure that a teenager or two will show up.

Finding favor with the Lord begins with that sweet heart that loves God and wants to honor the Lord. Finding favor with the Lord involves the things that mean a lot to the Lord. Worship does. Helping others does. Doing good does. Purity does. Obedience does.

Mary wasn’t the last young person who found favor with the Lord. God is pleased with so many today, who are busy doing what they can for the Lord.

Now a few thoughts based upon this:

First, sometimes we older folks can be sour to the young people. Sure they need direction and a little guidance but don’t shut the door to everything that they want to do. Could it be the reason that so many drop off the map spiritually is because all they see is a bunch of grumpy older Christians who judge each other and are against doing anything differently? Shame on us. We can learn things from these young people that God favors.

Second, there are many teenagers who need help. It’s not Friday night basketball that they need, it’s connecting to God and having serious questions answered. Don’t be afraid of questions. Not all of us were like Mary when we were teenagers. I wasn’t. Most of my teen years were spent in the back row of the church goofing off. I doubt the Lord found much favor with me back then. I’m thankful He was patient. I’m thankful He finally got something kick started in my heart and brain. Today, I preach. I’ve been preaching all of my adult life. Don’t give up on teenagers. Some who disappoint you today, may be preaching tomorrow.

Third, compliment those who are trying. Every congregation has some teenagers who are serious about the Lord. Let them know that you notice and you are impressed. Do something for them. A little attention goes a long way.

Mary found favor with the Lord. Shouldn’t we all?

Roger