12/9/10 Luke 1:54-56 God Keeps His Promises

54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

(Sandra Botticeli, Madonna del Magnificat 1480)

Thoughts: God has not only remembered the poor, remembered the humble, remembered the godly, but also remembered His people.  The people of Israel were to be a kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6).  The true faith in the One God was to be conveyed through the naiton of Israel.  It is through Abraham, God had said, that all nations would be blessed (Gen. 12:1,2).  Mary is basically praising God for keeping his promises.  Christmas is about that.  God promised deliverance for us- a way ot of the trap of life, and He delivered.  When God says something he delivers. He doesn't jerk us around, changing his mind with every wind that blows.  So when God promises us heaven, we can count on it.  God promised to show his care to Israel and to all nations through Israel.  He shows He cares for us by keeping his promise as well.

Prayer: Thank you for your promises Lord.  They are true and reliable as you are. 

John Calvin abridged:  God fulfills the promises to the fathers. The nation was on the edge of ruined, but God showed the might of his mercy by remembering.  Mary shows that in the accomplishing of these promises, God has been true and faithful.