Learning From Mary (3)

Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 - Praising God For His Love, Grace And Mercy

God has come to us in love, grace and mercy. In love , He has sent His Son to be our Saviour. In mercy, He withholds from us the judgment we deserve. In grace, He pours upon us His salvation which we don’t deserve. Let us respond to Him by giving ourselves fully to Him. Committed to the Lord, trusting in Him and experiencing His power at work in us, let us join with Mary in praising the God of our salvation, “My heart overflowing with praise of my Lord, my soul is full of joy in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46).

Learning From Mary (2)

Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 - Commitment, Trust And God’s Action

Mary’s commitment was decisive. The conception of Jesus in her womb was a once-for-all event. With respect to His conception, her prayer, “Let it be to me according to Your Word” was unrepeatable. For us, there is a once-for-all beginning - the new birth. We are born of the Spirit of God. From this commitment, we move on to trust. We trust that there will be no ‘miscarriage’. God will complete His work in us - the work of His love, grace and mercy. When we trust in the Lord, persuaded that we are now “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6), we begin to experience the power of God at work within us - He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Learning From Mary (1)

Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 - The Initiative Lies With God. Our Response - Christian Commitment.
The message comes from God. It is the message of His great and undeserved love. The purpose of God is announced. God will fulfil His purpose of love. This is the Gospel. It is the Gospel of His love. In love, God speaks to us. He speaks of His purpose. In love, grace and mercy, God is reaching out to us. He wants to work in us and through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. This initiative of God calls for our response.At first, Mary was greatly troubled. At first, there was uncertainty. God worked in her. She was changed. There was the deep conviction that the Lord was doing something wonderful. She committed herself to the Lord. From that day on, her life was altogether different. In her life, God’s promise was fulfilled: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him , and He will act” (Psalm 37:5).