Verse: Luke 1: 46-56
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Devotion:
Wow, can you feel Mary’s joy as you read her words? Can you feel her faith? Her hope? Her thankfulness? Her sight set on Him?
I’m so overwhelmed with all of the emotions Mary is feeling in these verses.
Mary begins by recognizing that although she is just one girl in a small corner of the world, she still matters to Him. He sees her and cares for her, just as deeply as He would see and care for anyone despite their status in the world. He doesn’t base His love on who has the most to offer. He doesn’t care about qualifications of possessions. He doesn’t only choose the most rich or powerful to carry His name. He chooses the hungry, the poor, the broken, the sinners. He is merciful and loving. He remembers Mary and takes care of her. These verses are the song of her heart, glorifying the Savior who has not forgotten her for a second. She is in awe as she watches Him work all around her to care for the lost, keeping His promises and showing mercy to sinners, just like us.
Prayer:
Lord thank you. Thank you for choosing the lowly and unqualified, like me. Thank you for seeing me, a sinner, and seeing the way You can work through me to glorify yourself. Thank you that I don’t need to have any qualifications to kneel before You as a humble servant for the Gospel. Lord, please help my heart to stay oriented towards the joy, thankfulness, and hope that Mary proclaims in these verses. Especially during the holiday season, allow my heart to stay focused on You, and the great sacrifice of Jesus to buy me with His perfect blood. Don’t allow my heart to wander or be distracted by worldly things. Help me to keep my focus on Your perfect Son, who came to change the world. Lord thank you for being merciful, loving, and caring. Open the hearts of those around me that I may reflect You to them to help plant the seeds of the Gospel. Lord, use me. Send me. Show me how to radiate Your joy and hope to the world, just as Mary did. Amen
Author: Becca Artymenko
Recent Comments