Luke 1. Aren’t we glad that Luke made a thorough investigation of all the events surrounding the life of Jesus, and sat down to write a very detailed, well-researched account?! (1:3) He names specific people, places, and times so that we too might have certainty regarding all the things we have been taught (1:4). This first chapter has plenty going on as Luke sets the scene – angel visitations, two unexpected pregnancies, a snapshot of priestly service, songs, and the birth of John the Baptist.

Amid this historical narrative, the word mercy stands out to me. Mercy is mentioned five times in the chapter, and is anchored in this section, “…because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (1:78-79)

Do you know what it is to sit in darkness? To hope for light, deliverance, or a way out? Have you sat in the struggle, felt overwhelmed and burdened, or desperately wanted things to be different? The character of God as one full of compassion and mercy is revealed in two specific ways in Luke 1.

First, God shows His mercy corporately to humankind by fulfilling the promise to send a savior, part of the covenant He made long ago (1:72). Zechariah’s song is one of rejoicing because God is now sending a redeemer who will save the people from their sins (1:68-69). The weight of sin, broken relationships with God and others, the darkness and living in the shadow of death – all these things will change with the coming of the redeemer. God is merciful in keeping His promise to send a savior for humankind.

Secondly, God shows His mercy individually to two women in this narrative. Elizabeth’s “…neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her” (1:58). Elizabeth and Zechariah were good people, righteous, obedient, and blameless before God (1:6) and yet Elizabeth could not have children, and this caused her great distress both personally and socially. They had prayed and prayed and prayed for God to fix the situation, but He had not. (Uggh!! Have you ever had that kind of despair??) She felt deep disappointment, despair, and disgrace … “under reproach among the people” (1:25). Yet God had mercy on her and, in His own timing, changed the situation.

Mary also sings of how God has done great things for her, and the mercy He shows to those who fear His name (1:49-50). Mary’s song hints at her hunger for God and her desire for something good to come out of her life. There is also a tinge of frustration with the proud, the mighty, and the rich; and it makes me wonder what exactly was Mary’s situation? Where is her mom? What about the rest of her family? Why is Elizabeth the only relative she engages with? I don’t know exactly, but I have a sense that Mary might have been quite alone, and maybe an outcast from family and society in some way? Yet God sees her and her faith, and He shows a great and tender mercy to young Mary.

Whatever burden you carry, whatever unanswered prayers you continue to speak aloud, whatever darkness you are struggling through – know that God is attentive and full of tender mercy for those who fear Him (1:50). The sun will rise and lift the darkness. The Lord shall guide our feet in the way of peace and rejoicing (1:78-79). Do not be afraid. “Nothing will be impossible with God” (1:37).

Is the reminder of God’s great mercy comforting to you? Can you live into the peace and hope of walking with God today? What stood out to you from Luke 1?