What do you treasure?
As Christmas approaches, we have many things on our minds. Even when thinking about Jesus and His birth, Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and angels can be a distraction. We can fall into a dangerous trap when we focus too much on people like Mary, but we can also learn a great deal from her, as we can from others in Scripture. Mary did something wonderful and powerful and very useful in the way that she treasured the works of God and pondered them deeply. We may not have the same blessed experiences as she did, but we can gain deep blessing from our own experiences of God by responding in a similar way. Such a response yield great blessing now and for eternity.
Scripture
What will you know tomorrow?
Mary found favour with God meaning that she must have believed, had faith in Him and in His Word. Mary believed, but a day came when she knew. Reading from Luke and taking into account what Scripture teaches elsewhere, think about all the things Mary went from believing to knowing in a single day. This great knowledge must have grown as her child Jesus Christ grew. What do we believe and what are we doing with that?
Luke 1:28-37 ESV And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” [29] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. [30] And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, [33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” [34] And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” [35] And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. [36] And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. [37] For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Hebrews 11:6 ESV And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Treasure all these things
The people around Mary were in wonder and amazement, but she was in quiet contemplation. She thought deeply about what she had been shown, and the great blessing of God that she was receiving. She preserved these things, protected them in thought and pondered them, drawing daily from the depth of love, joy and peace that accompanied them. We may not have experienced the same revelation that she did, but we have Scripture and the Holy Spirit, the Church and all that God does in it. Are we treasuring these things? Do we take time to ponder them? We will find great strength when we do.
Luke 2:16-20 ESV And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Treasure in the midst of fear and failure
It wasn’t just in the pleasant and joyful revelations that Mary treasured and pondered the works of God. She does so even in her failure and fear, faced with the steadfast calm of her young Son, she is quietly learning and growing in her thoughts and in her faith. She is moving from delivering the Child to being delivered by the Child. Do we treasure the works of God even when they are not pleasant?
Luke 2:45-51 ESV and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. [46] After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. [47] And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. [48] And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” [49] And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” [50] And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. [51] And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
Struggling to understand and let go
Life is going to come hard at us, and when it does, we need something more than self-confidence or self-assurance or the assurance of material assistance. I the face of great shaking, will we hold firm? Mary had to face the confusion of the way that Jesus moved into His ministry, separating from the close ties to His family that she was accustomed to. She is shown in Scripture to be human and to be subject to the same frailties as we are, yet she was prepared. She was given resilience by the way she thought and believed.
Mark 3:20-21 ESV Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. [21] And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
Mark 3:31-35 ESV And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. [32] And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” [33] And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” [34] And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! [35] For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
Struggling to accept and make sense
The ultimate shaking was not letting her Son go into the work that God the Father had prepared for Him, but in watching Him give His life for her and for every believer, so that He could take our sin and it’s punishment and give us His purity and right standing with God. It probably made no sense to her, as with the disciples and the others that loved and followed Him, but we are not called to understand everything, just to accept God’s sovereign will, power and goodness.
John 19:25-27 ESV but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” [27] Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
The overflow of the treasure of the heart
Following Mary’s example of treasuring the works of God in Scripture and in our lives doesn’t just strengthen us and give us hope, love, joy, peace and resilient faith, but it changes the way we behave when the world shakes us. It transforms us and makes us more like Jesus.
Matthew 12:33-35 ESV “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. [34] You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. [35] The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The immense value of the treasures of the heart
Being transformed by careful disciplined thought blesses us with a life that grow increasingly closer to Jesus, but offers even more. What we treasure while here on earth determines what treasures we will enjoy for eternity. Keeping our mind on the works of God and taking the time to ponder and dwell on Him and His power and goodness fits us for and eternity of pure and unbroken loving relationship with Him.
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Monday: What will you know tomorrow?
Reflecting on the profound shift from merely believing in God to personally knowing His specific will and power, centered on the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Today's Verse For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 ESV
Reflection Mary was clearly a woman of faith, as she was told she had found favour with God, and Scripture teaches that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Before the angel's visit, she believed, but after the angel delivered the message, she knew. She went from general belief to understanding astounding knowledge: she would conceive a Son Whom she would name Jesus, Who would be great, called the Son of the Most High, and Who would receive the throne of David. This Jesus would reign over His kingdom with no end. The realization that God Himself was fulfilling these prophecies through her was an intimate, powerful experience. This holy encounter cemented the knowledge that with Him, nothing will be impossible.
Additional Scripture And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. Luke 1:28-36 ESV And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
Life Application Consider what you believe about Jesus Christ and what you have come to know through personal experience. The assurances of His favour and presence, found in Scripture, should be received with the same power as if they were delivered by a messenger of God. Ask yourself what you are doing with the knowledge He has given you.
Prayer points
Pray that you may move beyond general belief to a specific, powerful knowledge of His works.
Pray for the ability to absorb and respond to the truth of His word, realizing that nothing is impossible with Him.
Pray for His guidance on what He has given you to know today.
Tuesday: Treasure all these things
Focusing on the necessity of quietly contemplating and treasuring God's blessings and revelations in our hearts, following Mary's example.
Today's Verse But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19 ESV
Reflection While the people surrounding Mary were filled with wonder and amazement at the shepherds' announcement, Mary herself was engaged in quiet contemplation. She took time to think deeply about the incredible blessing she was receiving from God. Treasuring these things means preserving them, protecting them in thought, and guarding them safely. By pondering these works, she drew daily from the deep well of love, joy, and peace that accompanied them. Although we may not have experienced the same immediate revelation, we have access to Him through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the works He performs in the Church, and we are called to treasure and ponder these things to find great strength.
Additional Scripture And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:16-18, 20 ESV
Life Application Take dedicated time to ponder what God has shown you in Scripture and what He has done in your life. Treat these divine moments and truths as valuable possessions that you must lock up, keep safe, and guard, rather than allowing them to slip away.
Prayer points
Pray for the discipline to set aside time to ponder His works daily.
Pray that His love, joy, and peace will fill your heart as you reflect on His blessings.
Pray for His help to treasure and guard His works and words so that no one can take them away.
Wednesday: Treasure in the midst of fear and failure
Learning to treasure God's works and find value even in moments of personal failure, distress, or confusion, exemplified by Mary's experience of losing Jesus.
Today's Verse And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51 ESV
Reflection Mary demonstrates that we are to treasure and ponder the works of God even when the circumstances are not pleasant or joyful, or when they reveal personal failure. When she and Joseph lost Jesus on their return journey, they searched for Him for three days in great distress. When they finally found Him, He was astounding the teachers with His understanding, revealing that He was occupied with His Father’s work. Despite the initial distress and the natural urge to obsess over her failure as a parent, Mary was able to take what happened and treasure the value in it: that He was safe, astounding people, and affirming His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. She moved from delivering the Son to being delivered by the Son, learning and growing in her faith during this difficult moment.
Additional Scripture and when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. Luke 2:45-50 ESV
Life Application When you experience failure or distress, avoid focusing and obsessing over your shortcomings. Instead, look for the work of God in that moment—realizing that He is sovereign, safe, and revealing Himself. Realize that having your mind filled with His word, love, and works provides strength when you would otherwise have none.
Prayer points
Pray for the ability to take value from experiences that are initially fearful or unpleasant.
Pray for the grace to see His astounding nature even in the midst of confusion.
Pray for strength and faith derived from continually treasuring God’s works.
Thursday: Struggling to understand and let go
Dealing with the natural human struggle to understand Jesus’ ministry and the need to let go of familiar ties so He can fulfill the mission His Father prepared for Him.
Today's Verse For whoever does the will of God, He is my brother and sister and mother. Mark 3:35 ESV
Reflection Mary faced the confusion of Jesus moving into His ministry and separating from the close family ties she was accustomed to. She was human and battled to cope with His extraordinary work, such as raising the dead or casting out demons. At one point, His family, including His mother and brothers, went to seize Him, thinking He was out of His mind. Mary had to learn to let Him go so He could fulfill the purpose for which He was sent: to give His life in atonement for sin. Jesus demonstrated that following Him means that spiritual ties, defined by doing the will of God, supersede close biological family ties. Mary needed the resilience provided by treasuring God's works to face this great shaking and let go.
Additional Scripture Then He went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when His family heard it, they went out to seize Him, for they were saying, “He is out of His mind.” Mark 3:20-21 ESV And His mother and His brothers came, and standing outside they sent to Him and called Him. And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And He answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around Him, He said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!" Mark 3:31-34 ESV
Life Application When life comes hard, hold firm by relying on the resilience gained through believing and treasuring God’s work, rather than self-assurance. Recognize that all blessings, including family members, are given for the service of God Almighty, and there will come a time when you must surrender control and let Him do what He was sent to do.
Prayer points
Pray for the resilience to hold firm and not be shaken when life becomes confusing.
Pray for the strength to let go of close ties and human expectations, enabling Jesus to fulfill His ministry.
Pray that you would prioritize doing the will of God above all else.
Friday: Struggling to accept and make sense
Accepting God’s sovereign will, goodness, and power even when facing the ultimate incomprehensible heartbreak, such as witnessing suffering.
Today's Verse But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25 ESV
Reflection The hardest test for Mary was not letting her Son enter His ministry, but watching Him give His life on the cross. He was giving His life for her and for every believer to take their sin and punishment, and in return, to give His purity and right standing with God. This ultimate sacrifice probably made no sense to her at the time. However, because she had spent years treasuring and pondering all of God’s goodness and faithfulness, she had the foundation needed to trust Him. When she couldn't understand the circumstances or see the future, she was comforted by His past faithfulness, power, and goodness, which had never failed. We are ultimately called to accept God’s sovereign will, power, and goodness, not necessarily to understand every detail.
Additional Scripture When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. John 19:26-27 ESV
Life Application When confronted with suffering or tragedy that feels impossible to comprehend, rely on the treasure of God's faithfulness stored in your heart. Recognize that He is always good, always powerful, and always sovereign, even when a situation is terrifying. You are called to accept His will, even if you cannot make sense of it.
Prayer points
Pray for unwavering trust in God’s sovereign will and goodness, especially when life is difficult.
Pray to be comforted by the memory of His power and past faithfulness.
Pray for the grace to treasure up the knowledge of Jesus' sacrifice—that He carried your sin and failure.
Saturday: The overflow of the treasure of the heart
Understanding that treasuring God's works transforms us, making us more like Jesus, and causing goodness to overflow from our hearts in times of distress.
Today's Verse The good person out of His good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of His evil treasure brings forth evil. Matthew 12:35 ESV
Reflection When we follow the example of treasuring God’s works and His word, it strengthens our faith and also transforms us, making us more like Jesus. The quantity and quality of what we treasure in our hearts changes who we are. Just as the contents of a mug spill out when it is bumped, what comes out of us when we are shaken by life is determined by what we have stored up. If we spend our lives meditating on, guarding, and treasuring His love, power, and goodness, then goodness will overflow from the abundance of the heart. This transformation by renewal of the mind allows us to discern what is good and acceptable to God.
Additional Scripture “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:33-34 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
Life Application Be intentional about storing up the good treasure of God's work and word, knowing that what you meditate on and dwell upon will inevitably come out when you are tested. Focus on the renewal of your mind daily so that your actions are transformed and you are not conformed to the world.
Prayer points
Pray that your heart may be filled with the abundance of good treasure—His love, power, and goodness.
Pray for transformation so that your behaviour when the world shakes you reflects the character of Jesus.
Pray for the renewal of your mind to discern and pursue His will.
Sunday: The immense value of the treasures of the heart
Recognizing that what we treasure on earth determines the eternal treasures we will enjoy, guiding us toward a life continually focused on Jesus Christ.
Today's Verse For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 ESV
Reflection A life increasingly disciplined by careful thought and focused on the works of God provides a profound blessing, fitting us for an eternity in loving relationship with Him. While He provides many wonderful gifts in this life—like family, jobs, and wealth—these are blessings that should be appreciated, but they must not be treasured in a way that shifts the treasuring of God Himself aside. What we treasure on earth ultimately determines the treasures we will enjoy for eternity. Therefore, we are instructed to lay up treasures in heaven, where they are safe from destruction and theft, rather than pursuing temporary earthly treasures. Keeping our minds focused on His power and goodness prepares us for this eternal joy.
Additional Scripture “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20 ESV
Life Application Take time every day, especially during busy periods, to sit down and ponder what God has done through Jesus Christ, ensuring that your heart remains focused on Him. Be vigilant that the wonderful gifts He has given you are valued, but that they do not replace or minimize the treasuring of God Himself.
Prayer points
Pray that your heart will be set on laying up spiritual treasures in heaven.
Pray for the wisdom to prioritize time with God and His word over temporary distractions.
Pray that the immense value of Jesus Christ will remain your primary focus and treasure.