Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 1:54-56 | 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Hope is connected to our capacity to trust in God’s promises. Mary believes that God will help Israel and fulfill His promises. She lives in an era when her nation is small and captive, but recalls God’s promise to Abraham, that his numerous descendants would have a marvelous future in a new land and would bless the nations of the world. We do not know the other promises she is remembering with her reference to “our ancestors.” Perhaps the promises to David of a permanent dynasty and kingdom, for these became part of the basis of Israel’s hope for a Messiah.
It was awesome and encouraging to consider that we are part of the ancient and unfolding purposes of God. Our lives are part of a plan that began with creation and includes the great figures of the faith. Every previous fulfillment of God’s plan and promises can and should build our confidence. Standing on the other side of Mary’s dream we see that the ministry of her son did bless the nations of the world and did establish a kingdom that has survived the tumult of history and the fall of empires. She is now for us an encouraging ancestor!
Find an OT promise that has been fulfilled in the NT.
Find a promise of Jesus that has been fulfilled between then and now.
Use these faithful acts of God as a springboard as you meditate and pray today about His faithfulness.
