December 11
"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...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...' Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home." -Luke 1: 46-52 & 56 (NIV)
The pregnant Mary endured a dangerous to seek refuge with Elizabeth. Since travel was strenuous then, long visits were normal. Yet Mary must have been a great help to Elizabeth, who was facing risks of a first pregnancy in old age. After welcoming Mary to her home, the young virgin burst forth into a prophetic song now called the Magnificat which is the first word in the Latin translation of her prophetic hymn. Mary glorified God for what He would do for the world through her son. She saw God as champion of the poor, oppressed, and despised and one who keeps his promises to be merciful to his people forever. Jesus' birth would fulfill all God's promise. Mary understood this. She wasn't surprised when her adult son announced he was the Messiah. She knew his mission before birth when the angel Gabriel first appeared to her and she prophetically recognized a future reality. Mary also had the humility to embrace her gifts and serve God with them. Don't deny or ignore your gifts. Use them for His glory as Mary did! Let God transform any hopeless situation you may have this Advent to hope. Or as that awesome hymn by Edward Mote says:
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand."
Prayer: God, Fill me with the hope only Jesus can give. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Your gifts are God's treasure!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
No comments:
Post a Comment