Fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:2a
 |
| 25 Days of God Given Gifts |
Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the FAITH chapter in the Bible. It gives us examples of those whose faith was founded in God's promises.
Hebrews 11:1 tells us Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
When I think of FAITH, especially during the Christmas season, my thoughts go to Jesus' mother Mary. Luke chapter 1 tells of this account. The angel delivered a message to Mary. He told her she was highly favored, would conceive, have a son, and she was to name him Jesus.
Mary faced the ultimate act of FAITH. Can you imagine being approached by an angel, and then given a message that is beyond comprehension. Oh the thoughts that must have swirled through her mind. Young Mary merely asked:
How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luke 1:34
She faced not only public ridicule and shame, but death by stoning.
Mary's FAITH was SO strong, and she trusted her Lord SO completely her response to this news was this:
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38
In other words, Mary said, let it be to me as you have said. She accepted what God had given her. Why? Because she loved her Lord so completely, she believed He knew what was best for her. 1 Corinthians 13:2 tells us faith without love is worthless. Christian faith is motivated by love and trust, just as Mary exemplified.
I encourage you to read and study Luke chapter 1 through this Christmas season. There is so much more to this story, found within the pages of God's Word.
PREVIOUS ADVENT DEVOTION LINKS HERE
Two FREE printables that go with this series. You can find download links here:
These images are free for personal use, ministry use, or for gifting. Not to be sold. If you share the images on your blog, a link back would be appreciated. Please do not copy my entire posts to your blog. Thank you.
I will be posting this until Christmas here on my blog. You can follow this series your favorite way.
Links are below:
Yes, that was a fine howdy do all right. One can tell immediately that she was indeed a remarkable young woman...it certainly was her great faith that God was impressed by. And there was strength and courage and great love.
ReplyDeleteThis is another of my favorites. I am reading a lot of Luke in my Advent readings...a lot of Isaiah, even some Psalms and Proverbs. Not sure why I am also reading Job, especially when it’s the words of his unhelpful friends, but there you have it.
I think Mary went through a great deal of unpleasantness. Yet the miracle of carrying a child not fathered by a man, but by the Holy Spirit must have given her the strength she needed to get through it all.
ReplyDelete