WHO COUNTS?
“Glory to God in the highest …” Luke 2:13-14
What’s on your resume? That’s the question many will be asking themselves this next year when the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Our History marks 2020 as the Year of the Woman in commemoration of the centennial of women’s suffrage. Two new exhibits will open to highlight women’s history and will tie into other exhibits with the over-arching theme of “Who Counts.” While some women in our nation continue to ascend to noteworthy heights—i.e., forty-one soon to take the helm of Fortune 500 corporations as CEO and an unprecedented number of others being elected to Congress this year—one has to ask the questions: What are the criteria for being among those who count, AND who does the counting?
My dear friends, this season we can celebrate the fact that our counting is not a matter of our achievements; but that we are women who count because of what God has done for us in Christ. It is our Father God who, by His great mercy and grace counts us righteous through belief in the finished work of His Son. (John 6:29; Romans 10:9) At the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved and gave us the most extraordinary gift imaginable: His righteousness. Our resume has been written for us; in Christ, we are complete. He whispers to each of us: “YOU are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Songs 4:7)
With new hearts and renewed minds, we are freed from the cultural dictates of a culture who decides “who counts,” freed to be what we were created to be—women, not men, but a compliment to men—in the laundry room or the boardroom—a help to a husband, softer, life-bearers and, like Eve, mothers and life-givers, both spiritually and biologically. (Genesis 3:20).
This season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s turn our attention to two women, two Marys, who by worldly standards didn’t have an impressive resume; but because of their belief in His word were caught up in the drama of God’s coming down to rescue a broken world; their stories bookend Jesus’ ministry on earth.
Through the centuries God’s people have wondered at the grace of God in inviting a devout young virgin to carry God Incarnate. Risking shame, ostracization, and an uncertain future. Mary simply said to the angel Gabriel, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
In Matthew, we read of another woman who was only identified as “the other Mary.” She was among the devout women who followed Jesus, ministering to Him, watching with horror His execution on the cross and His burial in a borrowed grave. (Matthew 27:55, 61) When “the other Mary” and Mary Magdalene returned after the Sabbath to see the tomb, they were greeted with the incredible news that He is not here, for He has risen. As they hurried to tell the brothers the astounding news, they were greeted by Jesus Himself. Privileged to be the first to see their risen Lord, falling at His feet they worshiped. (Matthew 28:10)
During our lifetime, according to the recorders of human history, many of us, like “the other Mary,” will not be listed among those “who count.” But because of Jesus’ incredible achievement in His coming and dying in our stead, we are compelled to share the story of the God who takes the “no-names” of the earth to make of us His treasured Bride over whom He rejoices with singing. (Zeph. 3:17)
With whom will you be sharing the Good News?
