Sunrise, Sunset, Son Rise! (by Carolyn)

"Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze."


That's the truth from "Fiddler on the Roof!"

With Mother's Day recently celebrated, many mothers, if they had time, probably waxed a little more sentimental than usual. I am no exception. While children are growing up there is little time to consider how quickly they grow, how soon they will be gone. But it can stop you in your tracks when you turn around and realize that baby you once held in your arms has grown up.

It sent me scurrying to the Bible wondering about mothers. They are honored in the Bible. The word mother or mothers appears almost 300 times and the word mother-in-law 11 times, most always in reference to Naomi, mother-in-law to Ruth.

Hebrew women longed to become mothers. Think of Sarah, Hannah, Rachel and Elizabeth, each of whom "longed" for a very long time. But Mary, the mother of Jesus, an unusual woman filled with faith and humilty, did not have to wait. What did an older Mary think about when she reflected on all those things Luke tells us "She treasured up and pondered in her heart."?

Her joy in giving birth to Jesus must have been dwarfed by her joy in seeing Him raised to life after suffering mockery, shame, torture and a horrific death on a cross. Her Son, whose tears she wiped away, did nothing to deserve such a punishment. His cries on the cross must have pierced her heart. And yet, she stayed. Can you imagine her searing pain as she heard Jesus say while He was dying on the cross, " Dear woman, here is your son." And then to John, His disciple "Behold thy Mother." as He gave His mother into John's care. (John 19:26-27)

Had she known the future would she have agreed to carry God's Son? "I am the Lord's servant. May it be unto me as you have said." (Luke 1:38) Her innocent but trusting "yes" to God's plan included horrible pain and sacrifice. Had she really "found favor with God?" (Luke 1:30) Yes! Jesus fullfilled the prophecy in Genesis 3:15 and overcame death saving us from the "wages of sin." (Romans 6:23) "For just as through the disobedience of one man (Adam) many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of one man (Jesus) many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19) "The death He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. (Romans 6:10) His victory over death to eternal life was the final triumph for us all! Mary knew the future was secure for all who would believe. Oh, yes! She would see Him again. Only this time, He would dry her tears.

"Where are you going, my little one, little one,
Where are going my baby my own?
Turn around and you're two
Turn around and you're four
Turn around and you're a young man
Going out of the door."