“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative
of the things that have been accomplished among us,
just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word
have delivered the to us, it seemed good to me also,
having followed all things closely for some time past,
to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
that you may have certainty   (know beyond the shadow of a doubt)
concerning the things you have been taught.”
Luke 1:1-4 (emphasis mine, italics from The MSG)

Certainty – a firm conviction; definitely true; confidence. (Oxford Languages Dictionary)

“Who on earth saw him first, knowing
truly who he was? Belly to belly, when
John, prophet in utero, distinguished
in the natal soup the fetal bones, the body
curled like a comma, eyes tight, skull
packed with universal wisdom,
this unborn cousin began to dance.”
Recognition, Luci Shaw, first stanza

“Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people”. Luke 1:25. Elizabeth had certainty and knew the source of her blessing, the Lord. Through the Spirit, she passed that certainty to her yet to be born son. “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb”. Luke 1:41.

Mary had certainty when she heard Gabriel’s message. “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to you word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38. Mary’s trust, her confidence, her certainty made room for God’s amazing story to be accomplished.

In her humanity, she knew she was greatly loved (Luke 1:28), as are we. She was willing to receive the truth, to trust God’s message delivered by Gabriel.

“And when she, birth-giver —
her ordinary vision arrowed down between
her legs, through pain and straw, to her son’s dark,
slime-streaked hair, to his very skin, red with
the struggle of being born — she lifted him
to her breast, kissed the face of God,
and felt her own heart leap.”
Recognition, Luci Shaw, second stanza

“For nothing will be impossible with God”,
Luke 1:37

I want an Elizabeth heart, a Mary heart. I want to have certainty.

And I am so human.

It’s easier to identify with Zechariah, “How shall I know this? ” Luke 1:18. Too often I hear myself praying, I believe, help my unbelief like the father of the young son with an evil spirit. Mark 9:24.

Reality begs a choice. Trust or doubt. Anticipate or fear. Certainty or wavering.

Throughout the scriptures, God, who knows our reality, knows where our certainty rests and meets us.

David shares his certainty of God’s involvement in his life. “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me”;
Psalm 138:8.

Paul teaches, “and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (certainty),
Ephesians 3:19.

Peter encourages, “But grow in grace and knowledge (in certainty) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.
II Peter 3:18.

God knows and is active in reality. There is certainty.

This certainty is faith-based, love-based, trust-based, expectant of God’s goodness-based.
And so I pray, God, what does it look like to trust you today?
Please, grow in me an Elizabeth heart, a Mary heart; a heart of the certainty of your goodness.

Copyright: Sue Tell, December 2022