December 11, 2011
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Is Your Spirit Dancing? Advent III (Luke1:39-56) Midori Suzuki
A. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit... (39-45)
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
1) ...we can follow joyfully even if we don't understand God's plan
2) ...we recognize the Lord and our spirits dance for joy (Corinthians 12:3)
Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:3)
B. By God's mercy... (46-56 , Isaiah 41:8-10)
1) ...we remember that God is loving and merciful
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me― holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, 9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8-10)
2) ...our souls and spirits rejoice in the Lord
Summary
Even though Mary had a strong faith, she must have been anxious to some degree when she found out that she was with child. God encouraged her through her cousin Elizabeth and her unborn child, John, who was filled with the Spirit. Mary herself was also filled with the Spirit and was comforted and encouraged. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are able to know God and our hearts rejoice in him. Our spirits dance for joy and we are filled with courage. Mary wasn't chosen by God for her beauty, her intelligence, or her background. She was simply part of God's merciful and gracious plan. In much the same way, each of us live according to God's plan.
For Discussion
1) When we are filled with the Holy Spirit what can we do? What can't we do?
2) If you were Mary, how would you have responded? Let's share.