Daily Devotional Wednesday 27th December 2023
by William MoodyLuke 1:46–56
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
(ESV)
As what is happening to her begins to sink in, Mary bursts out in exuberant praise. Mary’s heart is filled with a sense of wonder at what God is doing. She sees God as he Saviour (v47) and someone who looks down to her in her humble position to lift her up (v48-49).
Mary highlights the importance of fearing God to know His mercy (v50). Fearing God brings humility into people’s lives and dispels pride (v51-53). The proud are brought low and the humble are raised up.
God’s way of blessing is opposite to the ways of the world. Worldly blessing comes as people seek to advance themselves and push themselves forward. The world says trust in yourself, believe in yourself. Mary says trust in God, be humble before God, turn away from pride and self-belief.
God acts in response to His promises of mercy (v54-55). When God makes these promises He ties Himself to act upon them. This is one reason why God’s word is so precious. God’s promises to His people are a rock that we can build our lives and eternal destiny upon.
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