July 6, 2016
YOUR VERY OWN PINKY PROMISE FROM GOD
Luke 1:39–56
Belinda Rodriguez
Central Truth
Mary was the first person to hear Jesus was the Son of God. She believed, shared with others, and glorified God in song reciting more of His promises fulfilled. Our heart of faith leads to greater worship. It starts here with believing His promises are true.
Key Verse | Luke 1:45
"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)
Luke 1:39–56
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be 1 1:45 Or believed, for there will be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Dive Deeper | Luke 1:39–56
I love these verses because they are a bonus edition to one of the greatest promises ever fulfilled. Jesus, the Son of God, would be born and live with us.
A couple of months into my community group, we were discussing God’s character. One of my friends asked the most peculiar question, "What are some of your favorite promises from God?" She seemed like she knew the answer, so I asked back, "What promises are there?" I mean, really, why does the One who created the world need to make promises!? We decided to find some on our own and share them the next week.
At the time I thought she was pretty presumptuous to assume God needed to make any promises to us. He’s God; therefore, He could do what He wants, when He wants with no need to promise us a thing. He can even get a capital "H" in my sentences.
What I missed, and what I learned over studying more of His Word, is that God wants a relationship with us. He chooses to gain our trust by making promises and keeping them. Here’s my study tip if you want it. His promises are written in every story throughout the Bible. And when you hear them, He’s going to ask you to believe Him and what He demonstrates by those promises.
One day, He asked me to believe in Him and trust His promise for me. The first time He asked me to trust Him and believe His promises, it was the hardest thing I ever did; but it saved me from a broken life and rescued me in unbelievable ways. IT’S SO WORTH IT! He does great things.
Mary did not hesitate when she heard God’s promise to her. Luke 1:39 and following tell us that she hurried to visit her relative Elizabeth and shared and discovered more about God’s promises. She did not sit still puzzling over God’s Word; she believed and hurried into action. God is good, and "every word of God proves true" (Proverbs 30:5a). Now, how will you respond to God’s promises?
Discussion Questions
1. The secret is out, if you did not know by now, God has given us many promises. What are your favorite promises from God? Share some of yours in the comment section below.
2. John Piper, founder and teacher of desiringgod.org, once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." How satisfied are you with God's timing to fulfill His promises?
3. I believe God creates us for a purpose, He starts a work in our hearts, and He remains faithful to complete it. John 15:16 tells us we are chosen by Him to bear fruit. Do you know you were chosen? What purpose were you chosen for? How does God's promise to you encourage you?
4. Think about this, Mary believed without a baby kick or sonogram to say she was truly pregnant. What is the Lord putting on your heart today and asking you to trust Him in?