Four Weeks of ADVENT
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Four Weeks of ADVENT
Day 17 | MARY’S PRAISE | Luke 1:39-42
Four Weeks of ADVENT
Day 17 | MARY’S PRAISE | Luke 1:39-42
MARY’S PRAISE
Luke 1:39-42
“And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; for behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name, and His mercy is to generation after generation toward those who fear Him.
He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed. He has given help to His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, Just as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” (NLT)
Praise – so crucial for any of us who are following Jesus.
Mary’s great praise here in Luke 1 – often called The Magnificat – has been inspirational to many worldwide for centuries. It has also been banned by many dictatorial governments throughout time who feared the words of verses 52-53:
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed.”
Praise – by God’s children – is vital in all circumstances and at all times.
Why?
First – because God deserves it!
But also… God knows we benefit from it. There is strength in praise!
Do you feel weak? Praise God.
Do you feel afraid? Praise God.
Do you feel doubtful, uneasy, confused… praise God!
Jesus taught that praise and strength went together. (See Psalm 8 and Matt 21)
Mary offers a fantastic example of praise – for God’s glory and our benefit!
Prayer: LORD, you deserve ALL my praise. Help me to remember that – and to praise you – every day! Amen.
Luke 1:39-42
“And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; for behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name, and His mercy is to generation after generation toward those who fear Him.
He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed. He has given help to His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, Just as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” (NLT)
Praise – so crucial for any of us who are following Jesus.
Mary’s great praise here in Luke 1 – often called The Magnificat – has been inspirational to many worldwide for centuries. It has also been banned by many dictatorial governments throughout time who feared the words of verses 52-53:
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed.”
Praise – by God’s children – is vital in all circumstances and at all times.
Why?
First – because God deserves it!
But also… God knows we benefit from it. There is strength in praise!
Do you feel weak? Praise God.
Do you feel afraid? Praise God.
Do you feel doubtful, uneasy, confused… praise God!
Jesus taught that praise and strength went together. (See Psalm 8 and Matt 21)
Mary offers a fantastic example of praise – for God’s glory and our benefit!
Prayer: LORD, you deserve ALL my praise. Help me to remember that – and to praise you – every day! Amen.