Sunday, December 20, 2009

A Model "P 31": The Virgin Mary

My sister and I this past week were talking about Joseph the husband of the virgin Mary. We were reading Matthew 1: 18-20. which reads:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

After reading this passage I really thought about the part when it says Joseph was a "just man, and not wanting to make her a public example." Now back in those days if you where found committing adultery you would be condemned and stoned in public. Joseph had every right to publicly humiliate and express his disapproval of the woman that he was going to marry.

Because he was a "just man" he did not. Even though he was still going to do it behind close doors, he was not going to shame Mary. Is it only because he was "just" or was there something about Mary?

In scripture, Mary was described as being "highly favored....... blessed among women," by the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:28. Why did God pick her above all the other women born in her time or before her? Why did God patiently wait for her to be born? Moreover, why did Joseph have respect for her, not to shame or ridicule her? I believe it is because Mary is a Model P31.

A Model p31 is Proverbs 31 better known as the Virtuous Woman/Wife. Starting at verse 10 it describes what type of characteristics in a woman that a man should be looking for. I am pretty sure God saw all these attributes in Mary and so did Joseph. Now we might in a later post go in depth about a virtuous woman but for now take the time to read the passage.

Mary must have had favor in the sight of both man and the Lord. She was a hard worker, humble, obedient, loving, carried herself well, modest, generous, kind, giving and a God fearing woman. Joseph saw all these things in Mary and the angel of the Lord reassured him of that. Mary is a great example of one of the many women in the Bible that we as young single women are able to look to as role models. Joseph is also a good example to young single men of how to be "just" and spot a model P31 when he sees one.

This really reminded me how it is important to look to the word of God to instruct you how to live your life justly and virtuously for Him. When you do this others will notice and God will be gloried in your life. You will also receive the many promises and blessing He has in store for you.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

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