The Promised OneПримерок

## Praising the Promise Keeper [The video portion of this devotional is not available on your device. To view this video, visit your plan at www.Bible.com] Have you ever experienced someone making a promise to you and then breaking their word? A promise is really only as good as the character of the one making the promise. Just as He did with Zechariah, God sent Gabriel to Mary to announce the promise of a miraculous baby. But this wasn’t an answer to Mary’s prayer; it was God’s fulfillment of His own words. > “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 The birth of Jesus was the culmination of centuries of promises and prophecies. What was spoken in Genesis was now Mary’s reality. The Lord had kept His promises, because He is faithful and true. Her miracle baby was the very Son of God! Mary responded to God’s favor with faith and praise. Faith in her answer to Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38) and praise in the poetic song she wrote as she rejoiced with Elizabeth. Take a moment to notice the character of God in her song. He is merciful (vs. 50, 54) and strong (v. 51). The Lord lifts the lowly (v. 52) and fills the hungry (v. 53). God remembered His promises to Abraham and his descendants and kept His word by giving the world, through Mary, a way of salvation. He sent us a Savior, who is Jesus Christ the Lord. How do you respond to God’s Word and His promises? Is there doubt, or do you choose faith and praise? Prayer for Today: Lord, thank you for your promises. Every word you’ve spoken will be fulfilled because you are faithful. Help me see your character and give me faith today to believe you and respond with praise. Amen.