Parents
love to remember the developmental milestones of their children. They will
record in a baby book when their little ones first roll over, then crawl, and
take their first steps. Often they will take photographs and save baby clothing
to bring back the memories of those precious experiences.
According
to Luke 2:19, Mary, the mother of Jesus, kept a baby book of sorts—in her
heart. She treasured the promises that had been given about her Son and
“pondered them.” The Greek word for “ponder” means “placing together for
comparison.” Mary had heard of great things concerning her Son from angels and
shepherds (1:32; 2:17-18). As His life unfolded, she would compare those promises
with how her Son acted to fulfill them.
Our faith
will be strengthened and we will be encouraged when we meditate on what the
Scriptures say about God and compare it with the way He works in our own lives
(John 14:21). He is a God who answers prayer (1 John 5:14-15), comforts us in
our suffering (2 Cor. 1:3-4), and provides for our needs (Phil. 4:19).
When we
take time to ponder, we will see the faithfulness of our great God.
God gives
by promise that we may take by faith. (RBC)
