June 4

Luke 1:46-56 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

46And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

Observation

As we learned in the LJ a couple of days ago, Mary took the bold step to affirm her faith in God and obedience to His Word to her forgoing complications to her and to Joseph. . (Luke 1:38 "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."), And in yesterday’s LJ, Elizabeth confirmed what the angel had told Mary that she is to be the mother of the Son of God (luke 1:42, 45 "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."). After such confirmation, she breaks out in praise and worship of God, her Savior. She feels unworthy of this great honor but knows this is a personal blessing (gift) to her by God. She recognizes God has always been an advocate of the humble giving them mercy but bringing down the proud and mighty oppressors as He has done for Israel through the generations.
Mary’s acceptance of God’s gift to her confirmed her humility to not think of herself but to be obedient to God and the Son she was to bear. The One who would fulfill the promise of mercy.

Application

Do I accept God’s gifts to me with praises and song, glorifying God? Or am I too proud, refusing to accept His gifts or deny them because it cramps my style? Humility means to take what God gives me and use it for His good plan and purpose even though it may mean hardship and suffering for me personally. But I can trust that His goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

Prayer

Thank you Lord for sending your Son in human form, born of the virgin Mary. If Mary had not chosen to obey you, she would have lost out on an everlasting blessing. May I be as humble as Mary to recognize the gifts you give me. Then, accept it and obey your Word, trusting in your goodness and mercy, as you give me peace and joy through whatever it may require to glorify you. May I always have a thankful heart like Mary and praise you with all my soul no matter what the circumstances are. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

--Kathleen Hong