Rejoicing!
Opening Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for looking at the humble and lifting up those who are bowed down.
Read LUKE 1:46-56
[46] And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [48] for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, [49] for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. [50] His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. [51] He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. [52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. [53] He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. [54] He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful [55] to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” [56] Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What makes your heart sing?What an amazing outburst from Mary (46-55). Her response is to sing! Is that how you respond to exciting news? It is certainly a common response in the Old Testament (e.g., Moses, Exod. 15:1-18; Miriam, Exod. 15:19-21). Not surprisingly, Mary’s song has similarities to Hannah’s song after the birth of Samuel (1 Sam. 2:1-10). But more than all the others, this one has been used in worship–the Magnificat is still sung and prayed every week in many churches around the world.It wouldn’t have been surprising if, just for that moment, Mary had been focused on the baby that was to come. It’s so easy to focus on the gift rather than the giver. Not so in Mary’s case. Her attention was on God: what he has done, is doing and will do. So her song comes out of her humility. She would be remembered for what God had done for her, not for who she was (48,49). Like the coming Messiah himself, this song is divisive. Not everyone will like the outcome (51-53). But for most this is great news!
Apply
If you are in a place of lowliness of heart, rejoice. If not, you can choose to humble yourself.
Closing prayer
Humble God, You who were laid in a trough and died a criminal’s death, You are the Exalted One and I worship You.
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