Thursday, December 9, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 49-50 and Hebrews 8
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 49-50 and Hebrews 8
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 1:41-45 (NIV); When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s submission in spite of uncertainty brought her much blessing. The days of the Lord’s silence were over and the Spirit was moving in and out, preparing the hearts and minds of His servants. Mary’s faith and consequent obedience brought her both favour and blessing! These few words are bursting at the seams with excitement, promise and rejoicing! Imagine the exchange between these women as the Holy Spirit intervened in their meeting! Babies leapt and blessings sprung as affirmation was given to Mary after she committed herself to the Lord’s work.
Branches of the church have elevated Mary as the blessed mother of Christ. But she, like any other character of Christmas, was a vessel for the Lord and was nothing on her own. Her faith allowed her this blessing from Elizabeth – the same faith with which Abraham left his father’s home, the same faith with which Peter walked on water, and the same faith that allows us to tithe even when money is tight! Mary’s blessing was a result of her faith and submissive obedience and God work incredibly in our lives, too, when we walk out our faith.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Think about this passage in correlation to the events of the Christmas story. Imagine this moment and the subsequent conversations that these two women might have had. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how this can help you to appreciate the Christmas story even more.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you have been obedient to the Lord’s callings. How have you received blessing in return for your faith? Ask Him to reveal these blessings if can’t think of any.
3. Spend some time in praise and worship to God for His promises and affirmations.
