Can it be that any one can be more blessed than
this happy mother of Jesus? Let us hear his reply to the woman--"But he
said, Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it."
Jesus did not deny that it was blessed to be his mother, but said that
those who hear God's word and keep it are rather, or more, blessed. God
favors those who obey him. "The willing and obedient shall eat the good of
the land." "Hadst thou hearkened unto my commandments, then wouldst thy
peace be like a river." Happiness is the result of obedience, and heaven
is the final reward.
THE RELATIONSHIP WE HAVE WITH CHRIST THROUGH OBEDIENCE.
The reason why it is more blessed to obey the Word of God than to be the
mother of Jesus is obvious. Spiritual things are higher than physical
things. Spiritual relation is closer than natural relation. Brotherhood in
Christ is closer than brotherhood in the flesh. A brother in the Spirit is
dearer to us than a son of our own mother. Obedience to God makes us one
with God. Mary was the mother of Jesus after the flesh, but God's children
enjoy such a relation after the spirit.
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