Scripture

Luke 1:50

“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation…”

Muse

From verses 46-55 of Luke 1, Mary voices her prayer – a song, really – to God, praising Him for choosing her to carry His son. In her prayer, she extols some of the great things He had done for His people in the distant past, while also voicing the promise of God’s mercy on those who fear Him. In verse 50, Mary says, “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” Mary recognizes that not only is she blessed, but everyone – from the beginning of time to the end of time – who fears God is blessed.

We can be confident that His mercy is for all time because in this verse, in the original Greek, the word translated “generation” (geneas) is plural, and when geneas is repeated, it indicates “infinity of time.” The exact translation, then, would be “to generations and generations” (with an “s” each time). Think about that. God’s mercy has no beginning and no end. There is neither a future time nor a future generation when God will say, “I have shown mercy to many generations in the past. I am tired of showing mercy. Future generations don’t have a chance to know Me.” No, His mercy makes salvation through Jesus available to all throughout all generations.

And let’s not forget the word “mercy” in this verse. The Greek word for “mercy” is eleos, which means “active compassion.” The Lord shows compassion through action. He is involved in the lives of those who fear Him. What kind of active compassion does the Lord show us? His compassion, which never ends, is seen in Ephesians 2:4-6, “but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” God has given us salvation through Jesus Christ. If that is the only mercy God ever shows us, it is more than enough. There is no greater mercy that God can extend to us and to the generations that follow.

Our World

As Christian parents and grandparents, one of our greatest blessings has been to instill in the hearts of our children and grandchildren the love, truth, and mercy that God offers. As Ricky and I raised our children, we took them to church and had family devotions with them. But the most important thing that we did for our children and continue to do for our children and grandchildren is to pray for them—for opportunities to share God’s love and salvation with them. With our grandchildren, we also strive to speak words of encouragement, like imparting a gently worded response to an unkind statement or providing a kind redirection instead of a scolding… small things that make a big impression.

And when the topic of faith or Christmas or salvation comes up, we lead them to Jesus. We tell our grandchildren how much God loves them and how much we love them. We are making our home to be a soft place for them to fall when they face the challenges and difficulties we know will come. Similarly, we – as Salt Church – are being knit together through the Holy Spirit into one unified body where the young people of today not only can see and experience God’s mercy – just as Mary foretold – but also can learn from older members who can testify how God’s mercy extended to them, strengthening the faith of the current generation and generations to come.

During this Christmas season and beyond, let us, as Christ-followers, pledge to take before the Lord in prayer the young people in our lives – the next generations – beseeching Him to draw them to Himself for their salvation and for them to follow His leadership in their lives. And, as Mary voiced in her prayer, God is faithful to extend His mercy to those who fear Him, generation after generation after generation. In light of these truths, alone or with your family/friends, consider:

• Who in the next generation can you encourage and pray for today?
  
• Is there anyone older than you who you know has prayed for and loved you? Consider encouraging that older person today.
  
• Psalm 79:13 says, "So we, Your people . . . will show forth Your praise to all generations.” God’s mercy will last forever. Take a moment and thank Him for His mercy and His blessings.
  

Prayer

Father, as we enjoy Christmas this year, let us remember that Your mercy and compassion never ends for those who fear You with a reverential obedience. Provide us with opportunities, especially during the holidays, to share this compassion and love with those around us, so that they may know Your compassion and mercy, too. Thank you for your Son, our Savior.

Amen.