Grace notes

Katy Emslie-Smith December 11, 2021 0 4

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Luke 1: 42-45 (NIVUK)

42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!’

Grace changes everything.

Two pregnant women meet, one bearing a long awaited for child, the fulfilment of years of longing. We know this older woman was devout and loyal, having lived faithfully into age with an obedience to the requirements of the practice of her faith. The younger was shocked and troubled by news of her unexpected pregnancy, adjusting to sudden change in her life, coming to terms with change of status and the interruption of the responsibilities of parenthood. This younger woman nonetheless able to take the faith perspective on the tumult of her life.

Such different circumstances, but both women able to recognise the coming of grace in these two babies. Both women able to interpret their lives, not just in the urgency of immediate circumstance, but within the frame of faith in God’s mercy and faithfulness to them, belief in the fulfilment of His longstanding covenant with His people.

For Elizabeth her days had held long devotion, the persistent faithful practice of prayer, reading and interest in Scripture, and service. For Mary, her short life so far was imbued with the kind of faith that enabled her to recognise in all the strange circumstance, the hand of God in it all. Old, patient faith brought blessing to youth and youthful, urgent faith brought blessing to age.

Faith guides into careful attention to living as God might want. Faith motivates prayer over the long stretch. Faith kindles a desire to engage with the Bible. It directs towards devoted service and Spirit led creativity. Seeds of grace fall on the fertile ground of faith and there God grows blessing for the whole world.

Elizabeth’s blessing extends to us all: “Blessed is she/he who has believed that what the Lord has said will be accomplished!”

PRAYER:

Lord, kindle faith in us as we engage with the grace of Christ’s coming. Help us to discover the blessing of belief that you keep your Word. Amen.