The Favored Woman: Mary

The woman is not an afterthought, as many would infer from the creation account. She is rather a creation of great favor. 

Favor in itself comes from God and can be activated by human actions. Favor is an unmerited/underserved act of kindness. It is akin to grace. To be favored simply means to be preferred over others. It also means to be cherished, counted worthy for benevolence or to be highly regarded above others.

In our scripture reading, Luke 1: 28, God sent His angel to reveal His verdict about the woman and it is: “Hail, thou art highly favored (full of grace), the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women.”

The favored woman in this context is Mary the mother of Jesus Christ. The Immaculate Conception by a virgin was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign, behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name will be called Immanuel.” 

It should be noted that Mary was not the only virgin in Israel. There were other virgins in the land. But for Mary to be chosen, as the vehicle that would convey Messiah into this world for His redemptive assignment is nothing, but a favor.  She was favored above other virgins in Israel. This favor was a product of divine grace.

However, Mary’s favor was necessitated by her ability to keep herself pure. No woman of broken virginity would have attracted this favor. Mary played her own role of sanctification and she eventually found favor in the sight of God.

Mary’s favor was so unique and extraordinary in the sense that no other woman has ever conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, without the normal biological process. The redemptive story of the entire human race cannot be told without making mention of Virgin Mary.

We need not shrink from seeking to find favor in God’s eyes ourselves. God’s favor is not reserved for a particular people. Favor does not look at your background, academic qualification, age, among others. We are accepted and loved by Him in Christ totally out of His grace (Ephesians 1:4-6). Yet that does not stop us from seeking to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Hope Njideka Nwaobia, President of Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, Aba Province and Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South.

March 12, 2023 

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