Reflect on Faith in Action
39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed![f] 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
46 And Mary said:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 because he has looked with favor
on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations
will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One
has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
50 His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he spoke to our ancestors.
56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.
Luke 1:39-56
THOUGHT
Mary's actions clearly reflected her faith following her reception of the Lord's message. She exemplified what true faith entails, going beyond words and belief to actively demonstrate her trust. Upon hearing the Lord's message, she responded promptly and sought fellowship by visiting Elizabeth. This visit reaffirmed God’s call on her life and resulted in a praise-filled response.
These verses reveal that faith actions don't need to be loud or flashy; they just need to be faithful. Mary’s response was calm, deliberate, and obedient. She let her actions stem from her full trust in the Lord. Her faith in action prompted the Lord to affirm her through Elizabeth and gave her a chance to respond in praise.
REFLECTION
We should understand that our faith calls us to pursue God’s purposes. Often, we won't see the full picture or the entire journey ahead, but we choose to proceed in faithfulness. This path becomes a collaborative effort as we let the Lord use others to uplift us and give us opportunities to encourage them in return. A life dedicated to this pursuit should be characterized by praise. We must acknowledge the Lord's faithfulness, grace, and mercy, and let our words and actions continually reflect praise to Him.
PRAYER
Lord, grant me a faith demonstrated through action. Guide me to find encouragement along my journey and to encourage others in turn. Help me to worship you through my life by reflecting your greatness, grace, and mercy to the world. Amen.
