Scripture

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭54‬-‭55‬ ‭

“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.”

Muse

We continue this advent series in verses Luke 1:54-55. Mary's words emphatically acknowledge God's consistent faithfulness throughout history.

Mary spends time reflecting on and remembering promises from the Lord made to her people, the Israelites. One such promise Mary would have been familiar with would be Isaiah‬ ‭44‬:‭21‬, which says “remember these things, Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you, you are my servant; Israel, you will never be forgotten by me.” Mary’s praises highlight exactly how God has come to the aid of His people, particularly Israel, just as was promised in the book of Isaiah. Through the baby Mary is carrying, the Lord has shown that he has not forgotten his people, even after the 400+ years of “silence” from God.

Additionally, within these verses, we see Mary’s awareness and reflection on the enduring nature of God's promises. God has been merciful to Abraham and his descendants, even when they do not deserve God’s mercy. This will forever underscore the timeless quality of God's commitment. His promises are not bound by temporal limitations, and they can transcend generations. By the Lord’s faithfulness to fulfill what he has promised, He showcases his truest nature: His mercy.

Perhaps the most beautiful part of this passage is that we have the assurance that God’s mercy is not limited to only Jews and the direct descendants of Abraham. Through sending his Son to die on the cross on behalf of our sins, God kept the greatest promise of all, sending a savior and a ruler whose kingdom will reign forever. As Romans 10:12-13 says, “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Through Christ, we have been grafted into the tree of life and thus may rejoice in experiencing the same mercy promised to Abraham and his descendants.

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Our World

In our own lives, we can find comfort and assurance in this notion of God fulfilling what he has promised. God's faithfulness extends beyond the immediate circumstances we face. Like a thread woven through time, His promises persist, offering a foundation of hope and security. In times of uncertainty, we can trust that God remembers His covenant and remains steadfast in His mercy. These few sweet verses highlight the fact that we can wholeheartedly trust in God's character. Just as He fulfilled promises to his people, we can rely on His unchanging nature to uphold the promises He has made through his Word to us now. This assurance empowers us to navigate our daily challenges with faith, knowing that God's promises are not merely spoken but are unwavering truths that guide and sustain us. Application for this passage is paramount during the Christmas season. Our culture presents Christmas as a holiday focused on exchanging gifts, spending time with loved ones, eating a good amount of food, and donating a little more than usual. While none of these things are wrong or even unhelpful, we as the body of Christ must ensure that the true message of Christmas rings out: God has fulfilled his biggest promise, His mercy has come to Earth in the form of a baby boy, and all of His other promises can be trusted.

• Where do you see the LORD’s mercy most apparently displayed in your life?
  
• What is one promise you are clinging to in this season of life?
  
• Look back at a promise God fulfilled. What did the Lord do for you?
  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how good and mighty you are. Praise Your name for the fact that we can rely on your trustworthiness and faithfulness to finish what you have started. Thank You for sending Your Son and keeping your greatest promise which has been fulfilled through Christ. I pray to grow in trusting You in all areas of my life and to be rooted in your character. You are a loving and faithful God.

Amen.