DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Great Promises Kept
by Judy Webb
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:54-55)
Mary knew God so well—that is why she could humbly accept what God intended for her. Mary’s soul magnified the Lord for His faithfulness to Israel in keeping the promises He made to Abraham and to his seed. Reading from the Old Testament is like reading a story about the future. Jesus is everywhere in the OT, everything of significance points the reader to Jesus. I have learned to read my Bible expecting to encounter our Savior in each book. For example, over and over again in the Scriptures we learn about our Redeemer.
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. (Psalm 111:9)
Mary knew the scriptures, and after the initial shock wore off she probably understood all the Angel had revealed. And because she was so knowledgeable, she could embrace this miracle without fear. We are often told to read our Bible so that we too can understand when God moves in a new way. When we pray for His blessing and for His will to be done, our knowledge of His word will guide us on the path He had laid out for us.
…I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:18)
While Jesus was on the earth, preaching and teaching, this is told in Luke 11:27-28. As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” This was Mary. She studied the Word of God and believed and obeyed it.
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)
These are only a few of the words in Scripture which track right along with Mary’s Song. Can you find more?
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, You reveal yourself in OT and NT, and what a story you have! We can live our lives confident in your teaching and your love. Give us eyes to you in every book of our Bibles. Your goodness follows through each chapter and verse. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Comments