The Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ
Looking Toward the End and the Beginning
Luke 1:39-45 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
MARY is prepared to bear the Messiah. As Gabriel steps away, Mary steps into life. What might happen next? If she is as we are, her boldness and submission might turn back to the realities that face her. Fears and doubts likely could have welled up in her again. Now that the angel had left her, where would Mary find encouragement? Mary thought, “I need to talk to someone. Who better than Elizabeth?” After all, Gabriel had told Mary that her barren cousin Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age. So Mary goes. And here we see how God affirms the chosen virgin. See how Mary finds in Elizabeth a joy in the Lord. Elizabeth overflows with excitement and praise for God’s great work. She is one of those contagious personalities who exudes God’s grace and love. Through Elizabeth, Mary is encouraged and strengthened in her walk into God’s “impossible” task. Oh, there are so many ways we can feel fearful, weak and alone as we walk with God. He gives us big goals, but then little results occur. We pray for change in our church, but the chairs and pews stay empty. The world cries out for meaning, but too few will submit their lives to live into such encouraging words as Psalms 1:1-2 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Yes, it’s true. Much is against you if you say to God, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) Our own nature says, “Don’t go.” And the culture says, “Look after yourself first.” But as you desire to serve your Lord God, remember and be encouraged in Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s’ story. Be affirmed in Mary’s and Joseph’s story. Above all, celebrate and be encouraged in God’s story! He has chosen to save you! Our God gives to his servants many people to help them fulfill their mission. Listen to good teachers and friends who will share God’s Word with you. Join with others to celebrate God’s love and grace over you. As Mary went to Elizabeth, you can go to peers, mentors, pastors and teachers. Today, too, we have a bounty of resources to see, hear and read of people who struggled, persevered and triumphed as Kingdom servants. Do you need help to stay with God? Then go to people whom God has placed in your life. You are never alone in the Kingdom of God. Fellowship with others. Live in peace and joy in God’s purpose. Prayer: I seek you, Lord, with anticipation and joy. Thank you for the magnificent life you have purposed for me. May I find encouragement in like-minded people. May I be an encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
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