SUPPORTING IDEA, God provides confirmation for the promises he gives.

SUPPORTING IDEA, God provides confirmation for the promises he gives. Luke 1:39–41. Ready to serve but also anxious to see evidence of God’s other miracle, Mary headed for the hill country to visit relatives. First words of greeting brought encouraging confirmation in two ways: the baby jumped in the womb and the Spirit spoke. Luke 1:42–45. Spirit-inspired words from Elizabeth rained blessing on Mary. They distinguished Mary from all other women. She had God’s grace and presence (v. 28) in unique measure, but not in measure that lifted her up for eternal praise and worship. Mary’s blessing came not from who she was or would become. Mary’s blessing came from the holy baby whom she carried in her womb. This blessed child placed Mary in the position of blessing. God had turned his eyes to Elizabeth (v. 25) but had set his Savior in Mary. Just to stand in such presence awed Elizabeth. How did she deserve the opportunity to stand in the presence of the mother of her Lord? Even before his birth, Jesus was recognized as Lord, the Messiah of God. Such recognition came from humble priestly folks in the Judean hill country, not royal people in the nation’s capital. The same humility characterized Mary. Now we see why she was blessed. She believed God’s promise. She expected God to accomplish what he said he would do. Faith brings blessing. Luke 1:46–49. Mary’s faith displayed itself in praise. In a song resembling Hannah’s in 1 Samuel 2, Mary praised God for his great acts for her. Her praise included two actions: giving glory to God and rejoicing in the presence and actions of God. The Lord had looked down on Mary with loving care. He saw the low economic and social state in which she lived. Such a state would be short-lived. God had placed her in a state of blessing. Because of her son, humiliation would disappear. From now on throughout all history people would recognize who she was and the state of blessing she occupied. She did nothing to earn or deserve this. The Almighty God had caused it with his mighty acts. So praise him. Call him holy. See him as the transcendent God so uniquely pure and separated from sinful humans. Luke 1:50–53. This holy one is not totally separated. He reaches down in mercy, finding in each generation people who worship him. He attacks the proud, removing them from political power and position. He pays careful, loving attention to the humble, raising them up to new positions of importance. The poor find food from him, while the rich are given nothing. No wonder the young virgin praised God. Luke 1:54–55. Such praise reflected historical reality. The history of Israel tells the story of God’s mercy. Start with Genesis 12 and read onwards. Each page recalls tender, loving salvation for an undeserving people. Yes, God does what he promises (cf. v. 45). Luke 1:56. Mary stayed until Elizabeth was ready to give birth to John (see v. 36), then she returned to her people. What a surprise for Nazareth! An unmarried local girl comes down from the hills at least three months pregnant. It made no difference to Mary. God had confirmed his word for her. A baby leaped. The Spirit moved. Elizabeth blessed. God gave her a song of praise. Let the people say what they would. Mary was willing to bear the disgrace in order to become God’s instrument of grace. Trent C. Butler, Luke, Holman New Testament Commentary; Holman Reference (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000). 12-13.