Bible Thursday 8/15: Mary Says Yes

Studying this morning's four readings from the St. James Daily Devotional Guide (click to subscribe), I examined myself with these questions. Where is your self-examination leading today?

Psalms 110:1-7. God’s promised Messiah is foretold as king, priest, and warrior. How is everything different for me today in realizing that Jesus fulfills these holy offices?

I Kings 7:1-51. Further meticulous detail for Solomon’s building project of the temple. Can I have the slightest doubt that God has worked out his good plan for my life in equally meticulous detail?

Luke 1:26-38. God informs Mary of the baby she is to bear, and she says yes. What is the hardest thing I’ve ever said yes to God about? Is he preparing me for something harder yet?

Luke 1:39-56. Mary’s song of praise to God for the revolutionary changes in human affairs that Jesus is to bring about. What’s my answer to the doubters who say it’s still a cruel, unjust, miserable world even so?

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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.