Treasure...Luk 2:18-19

Luk 2:18-19	All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished,
	but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Luke chapter 2 described the birth of Jesus. The angels appeared to shepherds announcing His birth, and when the shepherds found Jesus and told others about what they encountered, the people were astonished. They were probably discussing or even arguing loudly about the trust-worthiness of the shepherds' report. Apparently, people did not believe the shepherds' report, fulfilling the prophecy of Isiah (Isa 53:1), else the wise men from the east would have easily found out the where about of Jesus from the people, instead they were guided by a star (Mat 2:1-9).

The people were using their mental faculties when they heard the good news, they were analyzing, wondering and evaluating these things that took place. Their mind received but not their heart.

Throughout out the commotion, Mary remained quiet. I especially like the NLT version of Luk 2:19, "...Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart...". To Mary, all these things were not just things that amused, but miraculous and precious gems that were to be adored and stored deep within her hearts, an so very often she would take out these gems to admire and study their beauty and magnificent, from different viewing angles.

My friend, how do you treat this wonderful gospel of God's love for us, in the person of Christ Jesus? Do you simply astonish by its story and amazed by the miracles, and then try to explain the miracles by your intellects? Or are you like Mary, simply treasure Jesus, the most excellent Gem, often behold and mediate on His person with the help by the Holy Spirit through the study of His Word.

Father in heaven, thank you for giving us Jesus, the most excellent Gem in the treasure of Your Holy Heart, that we may have this same wondrous Gem as our Inheritance. Help us to the fresh revelation each day about Jesus, so that we might be transform more and more like Him toward the day of His glorious return, AMEN.