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

The 8 Prayer Watches: The 2nd Watch

This week, I am going to discuss the second hour of prayer.

2nd Watch 9pm-12MN The Second Watch of the Night (The Midnight Watch):

• During this time you are to pray for divine favor and provision or supply. Favor from men and respect from men. In Exodus 3:21 God tells Moses that he will give the Israelites favor in the sight of the Egyptians. (this will later help the Israelites build the tabernacle) In Ch.11 it shows that the Israelites received this before midnight because the angel of death had not yet passed through Egypt. Another example is in Acts 23:23 God made provisions and had the chief captain see favor in Paul.


• Give thanks to the Lord at this time for his favor and provisions. Psalms 119:62 “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments."
  
• Pray for supplication and grace. This is the time for the outpouring of the Spirit of Prayer, Grace and Supplication. On the night Jesus was betrayed he prayed for God’s grace at 9:00pm. And at each hour from 10-11pm, he went to his disciples to wake them up and pray. By midnight he told them to get up because the hour had come for him to be betrayed.
  
• Pray for strength against all temptations and trails.
  
• Pray for prevention of being scattered. When Judas betrayed Jesus and brought the soldiers to capture him, all of his disciples scattered and left him to be taken. Pray that the Lord keeps unity in your families, churches, workplaces, schools and communities in time of trails.
  
• Pray for protection. This is the time that God is dealing with our enemies, who are trying to keep us from entering into the perfect plan he has for our lives. Exodus 12:29 tells us that the Lord smote Egypt’s first born which lead the Israelites to leave their bondage and head into the promise land.
  
  Please remember all for these prayer points during this hour of prayer. It will strengthen you and allow the Lord to continue to do a mighty work in your life. Also for more on the second watch, please visit the National Prayer Watch website.