“Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country…” Luke 1:39 NKJV
The birth of Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, has been a great debate among religious bodies. Some have questioned the historical reality of the virgin’s birth, claiming that the birth stories are symbolic and mythological. But we should not overlook Luke’s preface. He specifically tells us that he is selecting the facts to bring out the truth he presents (Luke 1:1-4). His information is also from eye-witnesses and servants of the Word.
Luke tells of the angel’s annunciation to Mary, her visits to Elizabeth, and her journey south to Bethlehem. The birth in the stable and the visit of the shepherds. Each account would be largely inexplicable without the other.
The theme of travel or journey is an important one for Luke: journeying with Jesus, to be always on the move, towards Jerusalem and to the ends of the Earth. This theme is present early in the Gospel. “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste…” Luke 1:39 suggests that the Christian life can be thought of as a journey. Nothing must deflect us from that path. It had been determined by God.
The journey with Jesus requires no looking back. Hesitant, half-hearted, head-turning followers will make little impact. Journeying with Jesus means going ‘to Jerusalem’ and to ‘the cross’ before going to heaven. As Christians, when our lives reflect the God who lives in us, we can be different from the world, and we can bless others with the transforming presence of His love and grace.
Jesus has not forgotten the World to which He came. He continues to rule. His work in Jerusalem has been accomplished. He makes it clear that salvation only becomes available to individuals as they turn to God and embrace it by faith. This faith and trust in Christ’s work on the cross leads, in turn, to the wholehearted following of Jesus. The work of proclaiming His Salvation must go on until He comes back in the same way as He was seen to go into Heaven (Acts 1:11).
Prayer
Dear Lord, every day of my life is a journey with You. I will take time today to think, to pray, and to study Your Word. Guide my steps, Father, and keep me mindful that today offers yet another opportunity to celebrate Your blessings, Your love, and Your Son, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Luke 1:36-37; Acts 1:1-2
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 29:19-27; 2 John 1; Haggai 1; Haggai 2
Amen Amen