Luke 2:16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
As a ponderer myself, verse 19 has always resonated with me. However, in my curious mood, I’d like to know what, specifically, Mary is treasuring and pondering. Is it all that has happened in Luke thus far? Zechariah’s muteness, Elizabeth’s pregnancy, The angel’s visit, Mary’s immaculate conception, Joseph’s continued support, the trip and census when she’s so very pregnant, the birth, the accommodations, the angels?
Luke 2:17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
Some of these things are pretty significant hardships. The cynic in me resists the idea that she treasured the difficult things, though I know James 1:2 tells us to “Count it all joy whenever we face trials of many kinds” because those trials allow us to draw closer to God, and I know He can use all things for our good and His glory.
Luke 2:18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Precious Savior, You know I’m a ponderer. Help me to become a treasurer, too, valuing those times–good or bad–that allow me to draw closer to You. And while I don’t want to over-analyze, I know that pondering as I do with You each morning helps me draw closer. Help me to treasure and ponder so that I can continue to draw closer to You. Amen.
Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Have a blessed day.