“For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” Luke 12:34
How do you respond to surprises? Words gushing like a waterfall? Stunned silence? Emotions erupting like a volcano?
Mary’s response in both Luke 2:19 and 2:51b was silence. And her silence spoke volumes.
In Luke 2:19, Mary had just received shepherds who told quite a tale. Imagine how exhausted Mary was after just giving birth. Her emotions riding a roller coaster.
Happy pregnancy’s over.
Relieved baby’s alright.
Disappointed no relative opened their doors to her.
Anguish at birthing this baby in a barn.
And now, a bunch of shocked shepherds barge into her exhaustion. Their words topple over her as they stumble over one another to glimpse this gift from God.
She could have ordered them away.
She could have smugly shouted to the world, “See, I was NOT lying.”
But she said nothing.
She chose to welcome the intruders. She chose to ignore the nay-sayers and corral any hint of pride. Instead, her silence of mouth revealed her purity of heart. Her focus was on her God. And she needed to remain silent, treasure the experience: the events, the people, and the words, and ponder them all in her heart.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NIV
In another instance, in Luke 2:51b we find Mary in a parenting moment. Twelve-year-old Jesus had been missing for five days, and had just been found in the temple. When Jesus asks why they were searching for him, that of course, he had to be in his Father’s house, Mary again was silent. Once again, she allowed faith to guide her reactions. We are told in 2:51b “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
Again, she didn’t allow emotions to speak. In her fear for his safety did not spew excitable words like an erupting volcano. She did not give into the pain of parental pride. Her son had seemingly disobeyed. Yet she did not publicly reprimand him. She allowed him the dignity of his age.
She silenced her lips and stilled her soul. Her focus clearly on God, “She treasured all these things in her heart.”
What was Mary’s treasure?
Not the gifts which would come from the wise men.
Not the pride of chosen by God to mother His child.
Her treasure was her relationship with God.
At significant moments she was still, searching for His voice in the midst of confusion. Not adding her commentary to the chaos.
Yes, from our lips others will discern our treasures., And our treasures will indeed reveal our hearts.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You want only the very best for Your children. As we surrender ourselves to You, You protect our hearts all the more. Thank You for Mary’s example of obedience to You, and Your provision for her. As the psalmist writes, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my Redeemer.” Amen.
Reflections:
What is my treasure?
Where might my lips indicate my treasure is?