“For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” Luke 12:34
“What about my girls?” I asked. These were the first words out of my mouth after hearing of my cancer diagnosis. In the throws of a crisis, the first words spoken can reveal a heart. In my case, my family and friends were not surprised my first concern was for my daughters.
Mary’s response in both Luke 2:19 and 2:51b was silence. And her silence speaks volumes.
In Luke 2:19, Mary has just been visited by the shepherds who had quite the tale to tell. Imagine, how exhausted Mary was, having just given birth. Her emotions everywhere. Happy the pregnancy’s over. Relieved the baby was alright. Disappointed no relative would open their doors to her. Anguish at birthing this baby in a barn. And now, a bunch of hysterical shepherds barge into her reflective moments. There words topple over her as they stumble over one another to see this baby.
She could have ordered them away.
She could have smugly shouted to the world, “See, I was NOT lying.”
But she said nothing. She chose to welcome the intruders. She chose to ignore the nay-sayers and any hint of pride. Instead, her silence revealed her heart. Her focus was on her God. And she needed to remain silent, treasure the experience- the events, the people, and the words, and ponder them all in her heart.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NIV
In Luke 2:51b we see Mary in a parenting moment. Twelve-year-old Jesus has been missing for five days, and has just been found in the temple. When Jesus asks why they were searching for him, that he had to be in his Father’s house,Mary again was silent. We are told in 2:51b “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
Again, she didn’t allow emotions to speak. Her fear for his safety did not spew excitable words like an erupting volcano. She did not give into the pain of parental pride. Her son had seemingly disobeyed. Yet she did not publicly reprimand him. She allowed him the dignity of his age.
She silenced her lips and stilled her soul. Her focus still clearly on God, “She treasured all these things in her heart.”
What was Mary’s treasure?
Not the gifts which would come from the wise men.
Not the pride of having the perfect child, of chosen by God to mother His child.
Her treasure was her relationship with God.
At significant moments she was still, searching for His voice in the midst of confusion. Not adding her commentary to the chaos.
Yes, from our lips others will discern our treasures., And our treasures will indeed reveal our hearts.
Reflections:
What is my treasure?
Where might my lips indicate my treasure is?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You want only the very best for Your children. As we surrender ourselves to You, You protect our hearts all the more. Thank You for Mary’s example of obedience to You, and Your provision for her. As the psalmist writes, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my hear be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my Redeemer.” Amen.
Thank you fore reading! Please return by next Monday, December 15, for the next post.