On Friday, August 15, the Holy Christian Church will recognize Mary, the Mother of our Lord.

After Adam and Eve fell into sin, our Lord promised to send a Savior who would save them from their sin. “And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), and between your offspring (Satan’s) and Hers (Jesus); He (Jesus) will crush your (Satan’s) head and you (Satan) will crush His (Jesus) heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

The Promise was fulfilled when the Angel Gabriel visited Mary and Announced to her that she was chosen to be the Mother of the Savior.  What a great God we have.  He always keeps all of His words and promises.

Dr. Martin Luther in writing his Commentary on Genesis tells us that Mary, upon hearing the words of the Messenger Gabriel, experienced conception. This is why for us as God’s people, hearing the proclaimed Word of God is important.  This is how the Father speaks though the Living Word (His Son), by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this manner, the heavens and earth were created, along with all that exists in the heavens and on the earth, faith and a new man were created in our hearts, sins are forgiven, and our faith is fed.

By faith, Mary realized that out of love, our God had chosen and called her for this special task.  By faith, Mary respond, “May it be done unto me as you have said.”  (Luke 1:38)  Faith always agrees with and follows God’s Word. In doing this however, Mary could face devastating consequences. Mary’s reputation could be ruined, she could lose her fiancé, Joseph, she could be disowned by her own family, and finally, she could be stoned to death for committing adultery. But none of this came to pass, because our God continued to watch over Mary, take care of and provide for her.

So also, you have been called and chosen by our Lord for a very special purpose. It is to be you. With the same fingers and hands that He used to create the sun, moon, and stars, He also created you. He called and chose you to be a part of His family in Baptism, when you heard, “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Our God has chosen you to hold special Offices of service: Father or mother, son or daughter, and husband or wife, or single person. The Highest Office you can hold is Christian. The Almighty has also chosen you to have a specific Vocation – butcher, baker, or candlestick maker. As you execute the duties and responsibilities of these Offices and Vocation, Christ is reflected through your words, thoughts, and actions.

So who is more important, Mary the Mother of our Lord or you?  The answer is that both are of equal importance. For we all belong to the body of Christ. The eye is no more important than the ear, or the heart, or the nose. All are of equal importance.

May you have a great August  Pastor Brad Rick