Scripture to Read: Luke 1:54
As we read Luke 1:54-55, Mary goes beyond personal thanksgiving to our Lord. She proclaims the faithfulness of God by considering His promises to all of His people. The first group Mary mentions is the people of Israel in Luke 1:54, "He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy." In Isaiah 42:1, God gives us a glimpse of how He has helped His servant Israel and given them His mercy. Isaiah 42:1 says, "Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations." The Lord helped His servant Israel by sending Christ, who brought fulfillment to the promises of God. Jesus had the Spirit of God upon Him. God the Father found delight in Him, as seen in Matthew 3:16-17, "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending live a dove and coming to rest on Him, and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." The Lord helped His servant Israel and remembered His mercy by providing His Son for their salvation. The faithfulness of God for the Israelites is a marker for us as well. God's plan has always been to save people from all tribes, tongues, and nations (Genesis 12:1-3; Revelation 5:9-10, 7:9-10). May we recognize God's faithfulness to Israel and therefore praise our Lord for His faithfulness to us as well.
Challenge & Application
1. How do you see Isaiah 42:1 fulfilled with the coming of Jesus, and how does this show us God’s faithfulness?
2. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness to His promises that are all found in Christ.
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!