Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 28, 2024
Luke 2:12-20
12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, 14 “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” 15 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” 16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. 20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.
Good Morning. Angels from the realms of glory!
Mary, a poor, young, ordinary woman, was chosen by God to do extraordinary things. Have you wondered how you would have reacted to an angel appearing before you saying that you have been chosen to be the mother of God’s son? Like Mary, we might have had a couple of questions, but could we have responded as Mary, 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
I am forever amazed at Mary’s maturity and faith throughout her life. When the shepherds arrived at the stable, the shared what they had been told and 19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.
When she and Joseph took Jesus to the temple for purification, Simeon spoke of the great things Jesus would do and 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
When twelve-year-old Jesus “got lost” after staying behind at the temple during Passover was found, 1 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
These events were enough to cause great concern or fear for a young mother, but Mary showed great strength and faith in God as she raised God’s Son and provided him with love and nurturing. Of course, none of us would want to stand and watch our son suffer as Mary did at the cross, but she stood strong and faithful to the end.
Loving Lord, We are your children! You chose Mary to raise Your Son and teach us faith and strength. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God calls us, the ordinary, to be His servants!
Use us, Lord! Pastor Liz
コメント