Promises Kept
Commentary
The 1989 Christmas Vacation movie features Clark Griswold, his wife Ellen and two children who are planning to have old fashion family traditional Christmas event, only to be disappointed on several fronts. The 20,000 lights on the house on the neighborhood Christmas light competition becomes a debacle when Clark’s efforts are spoiled by poor electrical wiring connections in the house. The families who gather at the Griswold household creates lack of space, understandings, and tension—not to mention an outdoor squirrel in the tree running in the house. Finally, Clark’s expected Christmas bonus is a letdown or disappointment due to his greedy boss’ short sighted decision to enroll workers into a jelly club. The movie concludes with fireworks after the out-of-town uncouth Cousin Eddie, kidnaps Clark’s boss, with the police chasing them and a sewer gas explosion from Eddie’s old camper parked out on the Griswold driveway. A disappointed Christmas event would be an understatement here. Yet, many people relate to the Griswold tale in their own lives during this time of year.
A family might promise a church a large financial gift at year’s end to help alleviate the red ink in the church budget. Instead, the family decides to leave the area for a warmer climate in a permeant move, taking their ability to give generous financial support with them. This is a disappointment for churches whose bottom-line struggles to stay solvent throughout the rest of the year.
In that same community, a person graduates midyear from a lesser well know college or trade school with the expectation of obtaining gainful employment while raising a child and working a part time job. It is discovered while there is seasonal employment available at box stores and restaurants, the local job market does not have well-paying jobs with medical benefits which the college graduate had hoped to obtain. This is a disappointment during this otherwise merry time of year.
Then there is a family who is struggling to make ends meet financially due to a family illness who is invited to the extended family Christmas event. There is to be a gift exchange of no more than $50.00 per gift. The parents are embarrassed that this is not in their budget, and there are other family members who use such occasions as time to celebrate (or brag!) about how well they have done financially this year.
All three of our Advent texts bring some piece of good news here. The common thread in these texts is that with the God of Israel and the Christian church, we have “promises kept.” Reversals are possible and God still works with people over time.
Micah 5:2-5a
The prophet Micah had a 46-year ministry. In Jeremiah 26:18, he is identified as “Micah the Moreshite.” He was active during reigns of Kings Jotham (742 BCE), Ahaz (735-712 BCE) and Hezekiah (715-687 BCE). Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah were the contemporary prophets at the time. Micah himself is a product of a smaller village or farm community. The purpose of this book is to give theological interpretation of the catastrophes which were experienced by Israel and Judah when both were eventually sent into exile.
The book is a collage of oracles from God of both condemnation and future utopian hope. God remains sovereign, and God’s justice works itself out. Prophetic books are still bracketed with promise and hope. Micah is a miniature form of the Book of Isaiah, that being oracles of both judgement and restoration. However, the new monarch of the restored kingdom will be of God’s choosing. A remnant will one day return home. Generally, the book is divided into two parts; 1:2-5:15 and 6:1-7:20. It follows the judgement to salvation pattern of other prophets. Micah is the sixth of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament (hereafter, “O.T.”). With later edits, the book is usually dated around sixth or fifth century BCE.
A couple directions for preaching one might pursue include simply uplifting the merits of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. They are minor in size of their books, not importance. Aside of this, Micah 5 Bethlehem text, there are other well-known minor prophet quotations. Habakkuk 2:4 says “the righteous live by their faith [alone]. St. Paul cites this text in Romans 1:17, as well as Martin Luther the Protestant reformer during the Reformation. Another well-known minor prophet text is Zechariah 9:9 in reference to a great king riding on a colt and donkey. This text is read on Palm Sunday celebrations.
This text is cited in the New Testament Book of Matthew 2:6. “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is shepherd to my people Israel.” Another direction to explore in this text is Bethlehem is the home of both Jesse and his Son King David. Small towns do produce people who make a difference in the nation. God continue to work through the smallest of communities during both good and bad times of the nation. How many small towns have given to disaster relief elsewhere in the nation or on a global level of nations needing relief? That is God often chooses the least likely people and communities to accomplish God’s purposes. King Herod was well aware of this prophecy in Matthew 2:6, as he feared the birth of a potential rival king for his throne.
One example of use of smaller, unknown people is the term “Ephrathah,” meaning a small clan of people who lived near the town of Bethlehem. Elimelech and Ruth are described as being from this town (Ruth 1:2, 1 Samuel 17:12). The Phillip brooks hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” might be a good hymn of the day if one chooses to preach on this text.
As it relates to the broader Advent theme, the new king will not be limited by geographic or time restrictions. He will rule all nations with righteousness justice, as he brings peace. Whether this is to be an immediate monarch in the times of the prophet, or a distant reign is contested among scholars. For Christians, does the expected Son of the Most High in Luke 1:32-33 fit this criteria? It is reasonable to suggest that this text echoes the event of the birth of the Son of God in Luke 1:35. For Christians, this text points believers to “promises kept” by God despite errors and disappointments of past leaders and members of the community.
Aside of the small town and minor prophets’ themes, other preaching directions might include God remains merciful and new life even when the people of faith make huge mistakes in their lives which led to catastrophe, such as exile for both Israel and Judah. God does restore the people of faith. Also, God’s justice is as real as God’s mercy. Why have twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament? It is a reminder to oppressed people of all times, that God’s justice does eventually prevail. However, this same God is merciful to those who seek him out.
Finally, a good rule of the thumb and interpretative lens to read the entire book of Micah is in 6:8, “He has told you O Mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and love kindness, and to walk humbly with your Lord.” [Sources: Limburg, James, Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: Hosea-Micah, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1988). Mays, James, The Old Testament Library: Micah, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1976)].
Hebrews 10:5-10
This text is a reminder that the promises to Abraham are enduring. The audience who listened to this long sermon are Christians have already experienced suffering, imprisonment, publicly shaming. They are disappointed that the second coming or Parousia does not seem imminent. Three is a lack of confidence in the Christian faith they have been confessing. They are simply tired and weary of the trials which are a result of their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The listeners are now lethargic and have stopped growing in their discipleship faith. They might be similar to a modern person who is tired of holiday expectations and is quite frankly wishing these stressful times of heightened expectations to be over! Therefore, some of the Hebrew Christians are considering leaving the community of Christians to return to former belief systems. The book is dated in the 80s CE, with unknown authorship, though some have suggested it to be a Pauline epistle.
The author of Hebrews hopes to encourage and exhort Christians of all times to remain faithful. The promises of God are valid for fainting hearts similar to athletes who are suffering a losing season around this year’s end, while everybody else is celebrating victories. This is the book for people who are not experiencing “holiday spirit,” instead only seeing more uphill challenges and burdensome work ahead of them in the near and dissent future. God’s promises are still kept!
This particular text is an exhortation that obedience to God’s will is to be preferred to merely going through the motions of following the levitical offerings and sacrifices to the letter. Christ’s final sacrifice in his death and resurrection is the ultimate expression of pointing believers to a perfection in conscience, in which the author sees as part of the sanctification or Christian growth process.
Psalm 39 is cited as an example of both the transience of life on earth as well as the simultaneous ambiguities between hope and despair. Life can be both terrifyingly short and yet awesomely wonderful. Despite signs of despair, Psalm 39 articulate hopeful awe which cannot be silenced (Brueggemann, 194). Hence the author of Hebrews cites such verses from the Psalms to address any potential despair of the audience. A possible allusion to Psalm 39 might be included in a sermon related to Hebrews 10 for those who need both a soothing word and assurance of God’s ultimate act of deliverance. A three-point sermon may include: 1) God is righteous (Psalm 39:10-110), 2) God puts a new song in people’s mouths who obey God (Psalm 39:3) and finally 3) God does bring believers out of misery. Meanwhile, the call is to guard our ways with patience (Psalm 39:1).
A cautionary note is that this text does not imply a supercessionist belief in the levitical priestly rites (Leviticus 20:7), rather the covenant of Abraham remains intact. Jesus as the high priest provides access and transformation once and for all through the offering of Jesus.
In preaching any text out of the Book of Hebrews, other texts in the book might be useful interpretative lens. For example, the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Then the author proceeds to cite pioneers such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses later in Hebrews 11. Another meaningful text is that of Hebrews 12:1-2 pertaining the great cloud of witnesses which surround believers as they run the race of perseverance. Jesus is indeed the pioneer and perfecter of the of our faith.
As this relates to the opening illustrations above, any disappointments or broken promises by other people in life are merely temporary setbacks. True to the promise made to Abraham, God still keeps promises as evidenced by the priestly sacrifice of Jesus, who not only delivers people from the consequences of sin, but races ahead them in the sanctifying or discipleship growth process. The bottom line of this text is an obedient faith is to be preferred over halfhearted ritual, regardless of how stringently one follows the rubrics. If a person does not feel in the mood to sing Christmas carols but is still walking the path of obedience and service to other people in this Advent season, they are still living out the spirit of the Book of Hebrews. [Brueggemann, Walter and William H. Bellinger Jr., New Cambridge Bible Commentary: Psalms, (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 201); Johnson Luke Timothy, The New Testament Library: Hebrews, (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006), Smith Robert H., Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament: Hebrews, Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1984].
Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
This text contains a collage of phrases and themes which articulates God’s acts of deliverance with Israel’s hopes for the future. The Gospel of Luke is dated around 70-90 C.E., after the writing of Mark’s gospel. Luke does not claim to be an eyewitness to the events reported his Gospel, as well as the Book of Acts (Luke 1:2). His writing style reveals a well-educated person. He is at home with Graeco-Roman cultures, philosophy as well as well versed in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament (LXX). The tradition of the author being a physician is not an unrealistic guess.
Luke wants to strengthen the faith of the Christian community as well as local the biography of Jesus within the specific events of history as one can accurately gather with the literary technology of the times. Among the recurring themes of the two volume Luke-Acts volume sis that God continues to be active in history. This is despite the death of the original disciples and the delay of the second coming of the risen Christ. Other themes include reversals and God keeping God’s promises, which are specifically highlight lighted in the gospel lesson this week.
Mary and Elizabeth are expectant mothers who are staying at Elizabeth’s home. She will remain there for three months. Did Mary accompany a caravan or whom did she travel with, is not reported. When Mary arrives at the home of older couple of Elizabeth and Zechariah, the child in Elizabeth’s’ womb leaps. She blesses Mary and the child in her womb. Elizabeth identifies Mary as “The mother of our Lord (1:43).” This is one potential preaching path regarding the life and ministry of Mary.
The song of praise from Mary resembles that of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. As with Mary and Elizabeth, the birth is viewed as a miracle from God. This might suggest another preaching path regarding various dimensions of the miracle of birth in the days of scripture and even today in a modern medical era as well as a post pandemic reality.
Mary’s song is a reminder that God levels the playing field playing field in using the lowly, poor, and oppressed people to arrive in fulfillment to the promises of Israel. Luke meticulously uses the available historic markers to report these events.
Preaching on this text on a larger scale suggests three main points. First, God is merciful toward those who revere and fear him. God’s promise is kept with the covenant relationship he initiated with Israel. Second, Because God remembers his promises he has made to Israel’s ancestors, God’s mercy and grace stretches from one generation to another. This includes the generations which did not experience the original presence of Jesus as his disciples. God remembers his promises and keeps them, even today into our twenty first century. Third, God has the power to save people from any bondage as reported as early as the liberation from the Egyptians in Exodus, through period of the Judges, and through the exilic and post exilic periods of Israel. Past acts of deliverance are the basis of hope for future salvation of God’s people.
This also serves as a reminder of God’s defiance against the uncontested power of the Roman empire of that time. In current thought, Mary expresses here a hope that transcends any notion of militarism or nationalism by any nation, even those who have an inflated sense of self-righteousness of being “God’s chosen” nation (1:51-52). Meanwhile the lowly persons who sincerely seek God will enter God’s kingdom.
A side path a preacher might explore is the Greek word for mighty that being “Dunatos,” found in 1:49. This is the root of the modern word “dynamite” meaning powerful explosives (Metzger, 12). What is a term for might and power in these times which creates reversals and brings hope to those who seek promises kept? [Sources: Metzger, Bruce M., Lexical Aids for the Students of New Testament Greek, (Princeton, NJ: Theological Book Agency 1983); Carrol, John T., The New Testament Library: Luke (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012); Chen Diane G., New Covenant Commentary Series: Luke, (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2017)].
Application
One of the slogans said in 12 Step groups is, “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen.” The fourth week in Advent comes close to people’s desire to shed Advent themes, and get a head start on the Christmas celebrations. If one looks forward to parties, celebrations, and gifts, this is wonderful! However, Luke’s gospel gives permission to have a scaled down, less ambitious holiday celebration event. That is lower our expectations. Two women (Elizabeth and Mary) visiting one another and chatting points to the idea that we seek fellowship from people whom we can talk with on a trustworthy level. This entails lowering the expectations for a given holiday. Luke points to the real spirit of season, that being prepared for God to do mighty acts through lesser-known people in smaller, remote communities or neighborhoods who are not on the main street.
With the above said, it is not unreasonable for hope of reversal of fortunes or pleasant occurrences. An example might be Harry S. Truman was the only US President since William McKinley. He did not have a college degree. Instead, he studied bookkeeping, shorthand, and typing at Spalding Commercial College in Kansas City Business School, in addition to night classes at Kansas City Law school. His application to West Point Military Academy was rejected due to poor eyesight. He enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and rose to the rank of corporal in the Kansas National Guard 2nd Artillery Unit. After some years in state and senatorial politics, Truman was selected as the vice president for Franklin Roosevelt whose health was declining. Truman inherited the presidency upon Roosevelt’s death and made a lasting impression as the 33rd President of the United Sates who implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and established the Truman Doctrine and NATO. This is as much recorded in historical records as the birth of Jesus Luke 2.
Alternative Application
In times of cover book glamour magazines, celebrity fame on both talk shows and podcasts, today’s text reminds us that God works through regular, women — working moms that are not tall thin, models, but who simply seek basic happiness, a roof over their heads and food on the table.
A family might promise a church a large financial gift at year’s end to help alleviate the red ink in the church budget. Instead, the family decides to leave the area for a warmer climate in a permeant move, taking their ability to give generous financial support with them. This is a disappointment for churches whose bottom-line struggles to stay solvent throughout the rest of the year.
In that same community, a person graduates midyear from a lesser well know college or trade school with the expectation of obtaining gainful employment while raising a child and working a part time job. It is discovered while there is seasonal employment available at box stores and restaurants, the local job market does not have well-paying jobs with medical benefits which the college graduate had hoped to obtain. This is a disappointment during this otherwise merry time of year.
Then there is a family who is struggling to make ends meet financially due to a family illness who is invited to the extended family Christmas event. There is to be a gift exchange of no more than $50.00 per gift. The parents are embarrassed that this is not in their budget, and there are other family members who use such occasions as time to celebrate (or brag!) about how well they have done financially this year.
All three of our Advent texts bring some piece of good news here. The common thread in these texts is that with the God of Israel and the Christian church, we have “promises kept.” Reversals are possible and God still works with people over time.
Micah 5:2-5a
The prophet Micah had a 46-year ministry. In Jeremiah 26:18, he is identified as “Micah the Moreshite.” He was active during reigns of Kings Jotham (742 BCE), Ahaz (735-712 BCE) and Hezekiah (715-687 BCE). Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah were the contemporary prophets at the time. Micah himself is a product of a smaller village or farm community. The purpose of this book is to give theological interpretation of the catastrophes which were experienced by Israel and Judah when both were eventually sent into exile.
The book is a collage of oracles from God of both condemnation and future utopian hope. God remains sovereign, and God’s justice works itself out. Prophetic books are still bracketed with promise and hope. Micah is a miniature form of the Book of Isaiah, that being oracles of both judgement and restoration. However, the new monarch of the restored kingdom will be of God’s choosing. A remnant will one day return home. Generally, the book is divided into two parts; 1:2-5:15 and 6:1-7:20. It follows the judgement to salvation pattern of other prophets. Micah is the sixth of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament (hereafter, “O.T.”). With later edits, the book is usually dated around sixth or fifth century BCE.
A couple directions for preaching one might pursue include simply uplifting the merits of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. They are minor in size of their books, not importance. Aside of this, Micah 5 Bethlehem text, there are other well-known minor prophet quotations. Habakkuk 2:4 says “the righteous live by their faith [alone]. St. Paul cites this text in Romans 1:17, as well as Martin Luther the Protestant reformer during the Reformation. Another well-known minor prophet text is Zechariah 9:9 in reference to a great king riding on a colt and donkey. This text is read on Palm Sunday celebrations.
This text is cited in the New Testament Book of Matthew 2:6. “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is shepherd to my people Israel.” Another direction to explore in this text is Bethlehem is the home of both Jesse and his Son King David. Small towns do produce people who make a difference in the nation. God continue to work through the smallest of communities during both good and bad times of the nation. How many small towns have given to disaster relief elsewhere in the nation or on a global level of nations needing relief? That is God often chooses the least likely people and communities to accomplish God’s purposes. King Herod was well aware of this prophecy in Matthew 2:6, as he feared the birth of a potential rival king for his throne.
One example of use of smaller, unknown people is the term “Ephrathah,” meaning a small clan of people who lived near the town of Bethlehem. Elimelech and Ruth are described as being from this town (Ruth 1:2, 1 Samuel 17:12). The Phillip brooks hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” might be a good hymn of the day if one chooses to preach on this text.
As it relates to the broader Advent theme, the new king will not be limited by geographic or time restrictions. He will rule all nations with righteousness justice, as he brings peace. Whether this is to be an immediate monarch in the times of the prophet, or a distant reign is contested among scholars. For Christians, does the expected Son of the Most High in Luke 1:32-33 fit this criteria? It is reasonable to suggest that this text echoes the event of the birth of the Son of God in Luke 1:35. For Christians, this text points believers to “promises kept” by God despite errors and disappointments of past leaders and members of the community.
Aside of the small town and minor prophets’ themes, other preaching directions might include God remains merciful and new life even when the people of faith make huge mistakes in their lives which led to catastrophe, such as exile for both Israel and Judah. God does restore the people of faith. Also, God’s justice is as real as God’s mercy. Why have twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament? It is a reminder to oppressed people of all times, that God’s justice does eventually prevail. However, this same God is merciful to those who seek him out.
Finally, a good rule of the thumb and interpretative lens to read the entire book of Micah is in 6:8, “He has told you O Mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and love kindness, and to walk humbly with your Lord.” [Sources: Limburg, James, Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: Hosea-Micah, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1988). Mays, James, The Old Testament Library: Micah, Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1976)].
Hebrews 10:5-10
This text is a reminder that the promises to Abraham are enduring. The audience who listened to this long sermon are Christians have already experienced suffering, imprisonment, publicly shaming. They are disappointed that the second coming or Parousia does not seem imminent. Three is a lack of confidence in the Christian faith they have been confessing. They are simply tired and weary of the trials which are a result of their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The listeners are now lethargic and have stopped growing in their discipleship faith. They might be similar to a modern person who is tired of holiday expectations and is quite frankly wishing these stressful times of heightened expectations to be over! Therefore, some of the Hebrew Christians are considering leaving the community of Christians to return to former belief systems. The book is dated in the 80s CE, with unknown authorship, though some have suggested it to be a Pauline epistle.
The author of Hebrews hopes to encourage and exhort Christians of all times to remain faithful. The promises of God are valid for fainting hearts similar to athletes who are suffering a losing season around this year’s end, while everybody else is celebrating victories. This is the book for people who are not experiencing “holiday spirit,” instead only seeing more uphill challenges and burdensome work ahead of them in the near and dissent future. God’s promises are still kept!
This particular text is an exhortation that obedience to God’s will is to be preferred to merely going through the motions of following the levitical offerings and sacrifices to the letter. Christ’s final sacrifice in his death and resurrection is the ultimate expression of pointing believers to a perfection in conscience, in which the author sees as part of the sanctification or Christian growth process.
Psalm 39 is cited as an example of both the transience of life on earth as well as the simultaneous ambiguities between hope and despair. Life can be both terrifyingly short and yet awesomely wonderful. Despite signs of despair, Psalm 39 articulate hopeful awe which cannot be silenced (Brueggemann, 194). Hence the author of Hebrews cites such verses from the Psalms to address any potential despair of the audience. A possible allusion to Psalm 39 might be included in a sermon related to Hebrews 10 for those who need both a soothing word and assurance of God’s ultimate act of deliverance. A three-point sermon may include: 1) God is righteous (Psalm 39:10-110), 2) God puts a new song in people’s mouths who obey God (Psalm 39:3) and finally 3) God does bring believers out of misery. Meanwhile, the call is to guard our ways with patience (Psalm 39:1).
A cautionary note is that this text does not imply a supercessionist belief in the levitical priestly rites (Leviticus 20:7), rather the covenant of Abraham remains intact. Jesus as the high priest provides access and transformation once and for all through the offering of Jesus.
In preaching any text out of the Book of Hebrews, other texts in the book might be useful interpretative lens. For example, the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Then the author proceeds to cite pioneers such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses later in Hebrews 11. Another meaningful text is that of Hebrews 12:1-2 pertaining the great cloud of witnesses which surround believers as they run the race of perseverance. Jesus is indeed the pioneer and perfecter of the of our faith.
As this relates to the opening illustrations above, any disappointments or broken promises by other people in life are merely temporary setbacks. True to the promise made to Abraham, God still keeps promises as evidenced by the priestly sacrifice of Jesus, who not only delivers people from the consequences of sin, but races ahead them in the sanctifying or discipleship growth process. The bottom line of this text is an obedient faith is to be preferred over halfhearted ritual, regardless of how stringently one follows the rubrics. If a person does not feel in the mood to sing Christmas carols but is still walking the path of obedience and service to other people in this Advent season, they are still living out the spirit of the Book of Hebrews. [Brueggemann, Walter and William H. Bellinger Jr., New Cambridge Bible Commentary: Psalms, (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 201); Johnson Luke Timothy, The New Testament Library: Hebrews, (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006), Smith Robert H., Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament: Hebrews, Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1984].
Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
This text contains a collage of phrases and themes which articulates God’s acts of deliverance with Israel’s hopes for the future. The Gospel of Luke is dated around 70-90 C.E., after the writing of Mark’s gospel. Luke does not claim to be an eyewitness to the events reported his Gospel, as well as the Book of Acts (Luke 1:2). His writing style reveals a well-educated person. He is at home with Graeco-Roman cultures, philosophy as well as well versed in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament (LXX). The tradition of the author being a physician is not an unrealistic guess.
Luke wants to strengthen the faith of the Christian community as well as local the biography of Jesus within the specific events of history as one can accurately gather with the literary technology of the times. Among the recurring themes of the two volume Luke-Acts volume sis that God continues to be active in history. This is despite the death of the original disciples and the delay of the second coming of the risen Christ. Other themes include reversals and God keeping God’s promises, which are specifically highlight lighted in the gospel lesson this week.
Mary and Elizabeth are expectant mothers who are staying at Elizabeth’s home. She will remain there for three months. Did Mary accompany a caravan or whom did she travel with, is not reported. When Mary arrives at the home of older couple of Elizabeth and Zechariah, the child in Elizabeth’s’ womb leaps. She blesses Mary and the child in her womb. Elizabeth identifies Mary as “The mother of our Lord (1:43).” This is one potential preaching path regarding the life and ministry of Mary.
The song of praise from Mary resembles that of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. As with Mary and Elizabeth, the birth is viewed as a miracle from God. This might suggest another preaching path regarding various dimensions of the miracle of birth in the days of scripture and even today in a modern medical era as well as a post pandemic reality.
Mary’s song is a reminder that God levels the playing field playing field in using the lowly, poor, and oppressed people to arrive in fulfillment to the promises of Israel. Luke meticulously uses the available historic markers to report these events.
Preaching on this text on a larger scale suggests three main points. First, God is merciful toward those who revere and fear him. God’s promise is kept with the covenant relationship he initiated with Israel. Second, Because God remembers his promises he has made to Israel’s ancestors, God’s mercy and grace stretches from one generation to another. This includes the generations which did not experience the original presence of Jesus as his disciples. God remembers his promises and keeps them, even today into our twenty first century. Third, God has the power to save people from any bondage as reported as early as the liberation from the Egyptians in Exodus, through period of the Judges, and through the exilic and post exilic periods of Israel. Past acts of deliverance are the basis of hope for future salvation of God’s people.
This also serves as a reminder of God’s defiance against the uncontested power of the Roman empire of that time. In current thought, Mary expresses here a hope that transcends any notion of militarism or nationalism by any nation, even those who have an inflated sense of self-righteousness of being “God’s chosen” nation (1:51-52). Meanwhile the lowly persons who sincerely seek God will enter God’s kingdom.
A side path a preacher might explore is the Greek word for mighty that being “Dunatos,” found in 1:49. This is the root of the modern word “dynamite” meaning powerful explosives (Metzger, 12). What is a term for might and power in these times which creates reversals and brings hope to those who seek promises kept? [Sources: Metzger, Bruce M., Lexical Aids for the Students of New Testament Greek, (Princeton, NJ: Theological Book Agency 1983); Carrol, John T., The New Testament Library: Luke (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012); Chen Diane G., New Covenant Commentary Series: Luke, (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2017)].
Application
One of the slogans said in 12 Step groups is, “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen.” The fourth week in Advent comes close to people’s desire to shed Advent themes, and get a head start on the Christmas celebrations. If one looks forward to parties, celebrations, and gifts, this is wonderful! However, Luke’s gospel gives permission to have a scaled down, less ambitious holiday celebration event. That is lower our expectations. Two women (Elizabeth and Mary) visiting one another and chatting points to the idea that we seek fellowship from people whom we can talk with on a trustworthy level. This entails lowering the expectations for a given holiday. Luke points to the real spirit of season, that being prepared for God to do mighty acts through lesser-known people in smaller, remote communities or neighborhoods who are not on the main street.
With the above said, it is not unreasonable for hope of reversal of fortunes or pleasant occurrences. An example might be Harry S. Truman was the only US President since William McKinley. He did not have a college degree. Instead, he studied bookkeeping, shorthand, and typing at Spalding Commercial College in Kansas City Business School, in addition to night classes at Kansas City Law school. His application to West Point Military Academy was rejected due to poor eyesight. He enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and rose to the rank of corporal in the Kansas National Guard 2nd Artillery Unit. After some years in state and senatorial politics, Truman was selected as the vice president for Franklin Roosevelt whose health was declining. Truman inherited the presidency upon Roosevelt’s death and made a lasting impression as the 33rd President of the United Sates who implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and established the Truman Doctrine and NATO. This is as much recorded in historical records as the birth of Jesus Luke 2.
Alternative Application
In times of cover book glamour magazines, celebrity fame on both talk shows and podcasts, today’s text reminds us that God works through regular, women — working moms that are not tall thin, models, but who simply seek basic happiness, a roof over their heads and food on the table.
