Mary's Literal Words on Israel's Restoration from Luke Chapter Two

Chapter 8: From Generation to Generation (Luke 1:50b)

In the profound declaration of Luke 1:50, "And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation," we see a glimpse into the continuity of God's relationship with His people, particularly in Israel. This phrase underscores the enduring nature of God's mercy, highlighting a covenantal bond that is not confined to a single era but extends through the Prophecy program with Israel, encompassing the lives of those who revere Him across generations. It reflects the faithfulness of God and the hope that permeates the collective identity of Israel as a people chosen and loved by the Almighty.

To comprehend the significance of this promise, we can look back to historical moments embedded within the narrative of Israel. In Exodus 3:15, God declares, "And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." Here, God identifies Himself as the God of the patriarchs, establishing a lineage of faith that spans generations. The emphasis on the continuity of His name and legacy reinforces the idea that His mercy is an inheritance bestowed upon the descendants of those who fear Him. It reveals that the relationship with God is communal and generational, a truth that invites future generations to partake in the blessings and testimonies of those who have walked before them in faith.

Furthermore, Psalm 100:5 affirms this enduring relationship, saying, "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." This verse encapsulates the essence of God's nature—goodness intertwined with everlasting mercy—and asserts that His truth is a guiding light for each successive generation. For the Israelites, this was a reminder that their history of divine intervention and faithfulness was not merely for them but was intended to inspire, guide, and illuminate the path for those Israelites who would come after. 

Moreover, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 charges the Israelites with the responsibility to pass down the fears and commandments of God to their children, stating, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." This passage illustrates the importance of generational transmission of faith, suggesting that the knowledge of God's mercy and statutes should permeate family life and daily routines. By teaching future generations about God's faithfulness, the Israelites cultivated a rich communal identity rooted in reverence and gratitude toward God.

In summary, the phrase "from generation to generation" in Luke 1:50b encapsulates a beautiful promise of divine mercy that resonates throughout Israel's history. It emphasizes the intergenerational nature of God's mercy, building a bridge between past and future believers in the prophetic program. We know today that the prophetic program has been completely interrupted and Christ today is preached "according to the revelation of the mystery" (Romans 16:25-26) which is something completely different and untold to anybody in prophecy, including Mary.