Luke 1:46-55
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
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.”
Monday 5th December
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
This week we are looking at Mary’s song near the beginning of Luke’s gospel. It is also known as the Magnificat, or to give the full title – Magnificat anima mea Dominum, “My soul magnifies the Lord”.
The first lines of Mary’s song begin with her glorifying and magnifying the Lord. Mary rejoices in the Lord because she recognises his grace, favour and mercy towards her. She is humble and aware of her need of God. She feels fantastically special to be chosen by the Lord considering the position she feels she is in. Why don’t we begin this week in the same way? Spend some time glorifying the Lord this morning. But perhaps recognise the need to be in a position of humility and gratitude as you begin.
Tuesday 6th December
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.
God is to be praised because he takes those whom no one takes notice and transforms them to be blessed by all generations. Mary is an exemplified example of this, but God still does this today in many ways. Let’s give thanks this day for individuals we know who have been lifted up by the Lord. I don’t mean put on a platform of fame. But those who were once unnoticed and disconnected but are now connected and blessed.
Wednesday 7th December
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.
Pride can be an obvious thing that we see in ourselves or other people. But here pride is described as residing in people’s inmost thoughts. Allow some time to reflect on your inmost thoughts for a while. Are you pretending to be kind and helpful on the outside but under the surface you are feeling and thinking something quite different? Perhaps we need to be taken down from our inner thrones today. Lord, please teach us to be humble on the inside and the outside. May we allow you to lift us up this day as we learn to bow the inward knee.
Thursday 8th December
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
Pride is a major blockage for us to connect with God and those with power and wealth tend to be inclined to pride. Like many parts of scripture broad brush strokes are used here to make a point. The hungry and those who acknowledge a deep need of God will be filled. The rich, powerful and proud go away empty handed.
How do we keep ourselves in check? Am I hungry for God, and if I am not – why not?
Friday 9th December
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary finishes this song realising she is part of a much bigger story. As we look back over the past week’s reflections the issue of pride is a common theme. Isn’t it interesting that Mary who is humbly magnifying the Lord ends the song in this way. It’s not all about her! She is part of a bigger story. That is the heart of a humble worshipper. We are a small part of a big story. Let’s give thanks to God for this today. Let’s ask God for a perspective check on ourselves and realise we are a small part of a rich history and an exciting future.
Saturday 10th December
Psalm 34
1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
Sunday 11th December
Psalm 34
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
