“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

Pondered (Def.): (Gr.): Sumballo from Sun and Ballo: To consider, to consult (mentally)

There are many times in the eventful experiences of our lives that we just plain talk too much. There is such wisdom in the conduct of Mary from which we can learn much.

Think of the eventful experiences Mary had: Angelic visitation from Gabriel announcing to her that she would be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:26-35); giving birth to the Son of God (Luke 2:6-7); Angels announcing the birth to the shepherds abiding in the fields with their sheep by night (Luke 2:8-14); Shepherds appearing at the stable with the news from the angels and finding everything just as the angels said (Luke 2:15-18).

It is at these remarkable times that the pondering heart consults within itself and meditates upon the marvelous things taking place before our eyes that causes us to be filled with awe and wonder; yet, keeping it all within and not breathing a word to another living soul. That is a rare thing, indeed, when one has access to instant communications on social media, apps of all kinds with everyone having an opinion whether favorable or critical of our precious moments of splendor.

The Pondering Heart of Mary continued as Jesus:

“grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the Grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:41).

At the age of twelve Jesus and the happy family went up to Jerusalem:

“after the custom of the Feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the Child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and Mary knew not of it. When they found Jesus not, they turned back again to Jerusalem seeking Him. And it came to pass that after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding, and answers. And when Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were amazed, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you dealt with us this way? Behold, your father and I have sought you, sorrowing’. And Jesus said to them, ‘How is it that you sought Me? Don’t you know I must be about My Father’s business’? But they did not understand what He said to them. Then Jesus went down with them, and came to Nazareth and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart” (Luke 2:42b-51).

The Pondering Heart is evident again in this narrative above. So many experiences, from the birth of Jesus, through adolescence and on to adulthood, Mary’s pondering heart is continually on display. But the pondering heart is not reserved to Mary. To the Prophet Simeon on the day of the circumcision of Jesus, the eighth day, it was revealed concerning all hearts when:

“he took up Jesus in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people, Israel. And Joseph and Mary marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother, ‘Behold this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against (Yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed’ (Luke 2:28-35).

Friend, what is in your heart that you have been pondering for, oh, so long? What is in your heart that is yet to be revealed? What mysteries are hidden there, deep within that you have pondered upon and wondered? Eventually, the secrets of the heart will be revealed, as they were with Mary. The sword, indeed, pierced her heart, but ended with glorious victory in the resurrection of the Son.

Let us all walk in the Wisdom of God and in the Counsel of the Most High. Let our hearts ponder His ways and the deep things of His Spirit. The Lord will disclose all things in His time. Let us consult within ourselves with the pondering heart and then bear faithful witness to all He has done.

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