Women, Called and Serving in Leadership

Mary

March 23, 2009 on 1:13 pm | In Women in Ministry | No Comments

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the first woman of the New Testament who responded to the call of God upon her life to service and ministry.

(Matthew 1:16) Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

The words “by whom” are feminine singular. These words clearly indicate that Jesus was born of Mary (singular) and not born of a union between Joseph and Mary.

God births His greatest work – the salvation of mankind – the reconciliation of mankind to Himself – through a woman.

God chose to birth His plan for salvation and reconciliation through a woman’s service (ministry) to Him.

God’s greatest work – the salvation of mankind – the reconciliation of mankind to Himself – began with a woman CALLED by God and who RECEIVED and ACCEPTED the call of God on her life.

In Luke 1:26-37 we read of the angel Gabriel sent from God to the virgin Mary, who was in the city of Nazareth. The angel Gabriel speaks to Mary and tells her of God’s plan (call) to use her to birth the promised Messiah. Mary questioned the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel Gabriel explained to Mary the conception would take place through the Holy Spirit coming upon her and the power of God overshadowing her.

In verse 38 we read of Mary receiving and accepting the call of God on her life.

(Luke 1:38) And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the first of many women in the New Testament who responded to the call of God upon their lives to service and ministry.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the first of many women in the New Testament who upon hearing the call of God received and accepted His call and gave their life in service (ministry) to Him.