Seek Jesus First

What mother could bear to see her son nailed to a cross, mocked and tortured, executed in such a barbaric way? What had Mary’s trust in God gained her? The next time we hear Mary’s name, she is one of the crowd in the Upper Room, just before the Holy Spirit fell on them all (Acts 1:14).

We see her as a disciple and follower of Christ the Messiah and Savior. Yes, Mary has lost her husband and watched men torture and kill her firstborn son; she knows pain and loss. Yet we see her acting in trust as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What an encouragement Mary’s example is! Her experience means that wherever you are in your life right now, the joy and purpose that Mary knew are within your grasp. You see, Mary discovered a calling on her life that was far greater than her calling as a wife or a mother. It was the calling to be a follower of her son, Jesus, the Christ. She let go of what she cherished more than her own life to embrace that higher calling.

I do not for one moment want to minimize the pain of what your life has brought you or what might come. But I want to remind you that there is a Rock we have been invited to build our lives on, and this Rock cannot be shaken.

Bottom line, we are loved by the One who is love. We are loved by the One who has overcome the enemy. We are loved by the One who says, Trust me.

Almighty God, I simply want to follow Jesus. You know the things that interfere—my sin, my wandering heart, my easily distracted mind as well as responsibilities as wife, mother, church work, and career. And just living—the housework, the laundry, the shopping, the cooking—takes so much time and energy. Teach me to follow Jesus despite and in the midst of all this.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. — Jesus in Matthew 6:33

Questions for today:

What new appreciation for Mary do you have after reading this devotional?

What evidence could someone find in your life that you are following a calling higher than career, motherhood, marriage, or anything else?

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You’re invited to respond to these questions in the comments section below – we’d love to hear from you. ~ Devotionals Daily