Once while teaching a Sunday School class to sixth graders I mentioned that it might be hard for us to imagine the situation of the Israelite slaves in Egypt, since we in America knew no one who owns another human being. Phillip raised his hand and said, ”Yes we do! A person can be adopted, and then he is owned by his parents.” Only later did I learn that he had just been to court with his parents where his own adoption was confirmed. It was imperative that I agree that he was “owned” by his new mother and father, and could not be removed from them.

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1Peter 2:9) Mary became “God’s special possession” when she said to the angel Gabriel, “Let it be to me as you have said,” (Luke 1:38) and it was confirmed by Elizabeth when Mary visited her. Mary responded, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.”

(Luke 1:46-49)

We are the spiritual descendants of Mary. Over the expanse of two millennia, we could still say “The Mighty One has done great things for me.” In carrying, delivering, in nurturing and loving the son of God, Mary experienced all that she proclaimed. She did it as a human being, and recognized that the events of her pregnancy and delivery were both great and holy. She and Joseph rejoiced at being “God’s special possession.”

Young Phillip in my class had already tasted the goodness of living with the couple who adopted him. He knew that he desired nothing more than to be their son. We have all tasted and know that our Lord is good, (Psalm 34:8) and Peter assures us that there is much more in a relationship with Him. There is the bonding that gives strength and joy to each one, a bonding that God loves to share and that Peter knew as “God’s special possession.” It is a possession of love.

Love in Him,

Prue