Bible Lens—December 14–20, 2015
Subject: Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Exploring Bible Verses
from Section 2
10 | Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth.
• • •
Watch! I’m about to carry out something new! And now it’s springing up.
—International Standard Version
from Section 3
11 | Luke 1:5, 6
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
Temple priests were divided into 24 groups, called courses, each group serving twice a year for a week at a time. Zacharias was a member of the eighth course, named the course of Abia. Zacharias’ participation in the ministration of burning incense on the altar (see Luke 1:8, 9) was an honor that normally came only once in a lifetime.
Elisabeth, being a descendant of Aaron, was of the priestly line—a distinction highly valued among the Israelites. Because both parents were of this descent, their son was considered doubly blessed.
from Section 4
14 | Luke 1:31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
The name Jesus is equivalent to Joshua, or salvation of Jehovah. The book of Matthew describes this saving mission: “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus’ birth referred to him as “Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), indicating the Messiah’s expression of “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
At least five other people in the Bible were given names before they were born: Isaac, Ishmael, Solomon, Josiah, and John the Baptist.
14 | Luke 1:37
With God nothing shall be impossible.
Gabriel’s parting words to Mary echo God’s question to Abraham, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) and foreshadow Jesus’ later declaration, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27).
from Section 5
16 | Luke 1:41–45
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Elisabeth recognized the presence of the babe, the Christ child, before Mary shared her news, and was inspired to speak the same words with which Gabriel had addressed Mary: “Blessed art thou among women” (citation 14, Luke 1:28).
16 | Luke 1:46–50
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. . . . For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Known as Mary’s Hymn of Praise, verses 46–55 of Luke 1 form Mary’s prayer of thanksgiving to God. Some researchers compare it to Hannah’s joyful prayer after the birth of her son Samuel (see I Samuel 2:1–10). This prayer has been set to music by many composers under the Latin name Magnificat, from its opening words, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”
What Mary Baker Eddy said about …
Angels
When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. Oh, may you feel this touch,—it is not the clasping of hands, nor a loved person present; it is more than this: it is a spiritual idea that lights your path! The Psalmist saith: “He shall give His angels charge over thee.” God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the “Peace, be still” to all human fears, to suffering of every sort.
Mary Baker Eddy
Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, pp. 306–307
Related Healing Ideas
Julie hears an angel thought
By Jacqueline Fisk Sayre
From the July 23, 1966, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel
Sundays were favorite days at Julie’s house. Her father was home, her mother was busy cooking delicious things in the kitchen, and Julie could play with Timmie, her dog.
Timmie was part collie and part terrier. Sometimes he and Julie would race across the backyard. He would often play hide-and-seek with her. He was loyal, obedient, and loving. He was the most wonderful dog in the world; at least Julie thought so.
Every Sunday morning Julie and her family went to the Christian Science church, and when the family arrived home after church, Timmie would always be waiting at the gate. One particular Sunday, when the car pulled into the driveway, Julie noticed that the gate was open. Timmie was gone.
Tears filled Julie’s eyes. She wanted to search the neighborhood. But where to begin? She didn’t know where to look for Timmie. She quickly realized, however, that right at that moment she could prove that he was never outside of God’s encircling arms.
Immediately an angel thought came to Julie. “I will give a treatment in Christian Science,” she said, “and know the truth for Timmie.”
Many true thoughts came to her: that God is All; that God is everywhere; that right where Timmie was, God was. Even if Timmie was on a busy street, God was there protecting him. If he was lost, God was a guiding light, leading him home. Julie knew that God is Love and that the love Timmie reflected could never be lost or separated from divine Love.
In Sunday School that morning the teacher quoted this Bible verse, which Julie now remembered: “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). Julie realized that no person, place, or obstacle could keep her dog from being in his right place.
“I had an angel thought,” said Julie to herself. “Every good thought I have is an angel thought.”
She opened Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896 by Mary Baker Eddy and found these words about angels: “When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts” (p. 306). And on the next page she read, “Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment.” Julie felt very comforted by these words of Truth.
Early the following morning, there was a scratching at the door. Julie and Mother opened it, and there was Timmie. He had a rope dangling around his neck, but he had chewed it loose. He was soaking wet; but, oh, how his tail was wagging! Julie and her family were very grateful.
Julie learned something very important from the experience with Timmie, which she always remembered: that God is constantly sending His pure ideas to us, and these are angel thoughts.
For Further Study: Resources used in this issue
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