Read: Luke 1-2
Today’s reading is Luke chapters 1 and 2. Yesterday we finished the book of Mark and jumped right into Luke, and so much is happening already in these first two chapters. We read about the angel appearing to Mary, the coming birth of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus, and even Jesus as a boy in the temple after being presented there. Right away, Luke explains why he is writing all of this down. He says:
“… I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you … so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” -Luke 1:3–4
Luke wanted people to know that these events were true and trustworthy. He was carefully documenting what happened so that believers could have confidence in what they were being taught. Early in chapter 1 we also see a reminder that God hears our prayers. The angel tells Zechariah:
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” -Luke 1:13
That is such an important reminder because sometimes it can feel like our prayers aren’t always heard. But God hears them. He sees and hears each of us. Sometimes He answers in ways bigger than we could have imagined. Then later the angel appears to Mary and says:
““Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” … “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High … and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”” -Luke 1:28–33
Something I really appreciated from A Beautiful Year in the Bible was the reminder of the context surrounding these chapters. At this point in history, Israel was living under Roman rule and occupation, and God’s people had been waiting generations for the promised Messiah (A Beautiful Year in the Bible). During that waiting, God chose two women that society likely would have overlooked. Elizabeth was considered too old to have a child, and Mary was young, poor, and unmarried. Yet both were deeply important in God’s plan. God crossed boundaries of age, status, and expectation to bring about His purposes (A Beautiful Year in the Bible).
I think that is really encouraging because it reminds us not to disqualify ourselves based on our circumstances. Don’t use your circumstances as an excuse. God is not limited by age, status, money, popularity, or worldly qualifications. He can use anyone who is willing. Sometimes the people that the world overlooks are the very people God chooses to work through in the biggest ways.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever experienced a season of waiting on God?
- How can you trust God more with the plans and timing of your life?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Magnific*
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