SUNDAY December 15, 2019
Praise God for His Mercy
“And His [God’s] mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”
Luke 1:50-51
Mary was a young woman who feared the Lord. She reverenced God and stood in awe of Him. She was chosen to become the mother of Jesus. Mary rejoiced in God’s mercy, not only shown to her, but to all who chose to fear Him from generation to generation. She greatly magnified the Lord with such a beautiful song––the Magnificat.
What does the Bible have to say about times of personal praise? Praise is beautiful! Psalm 33:1 tells us: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Psalm 147:1 continues that thought: Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
We can praise God for the prophecy concerning Christ in Isaiah 61:1. It is a declaration of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Savior of the world! The Spirit of the Lord God was upon Jesus during His ministry on this earth. He was anointed to preach good tidings to the poor––those who are spiritually bankrupt, dead in their sin, lost and without hope (Romans 6:23). He came to save us from our sins and give to us eternal life (John 3:16).
Perhaps this Christmas you find yourself downcast, melancholy, lonely, sorrowful, or even in despair. Contemplate the mercy, grace and love of God in sending His Son to be your Savior. Christ has been born! Begin to praise Him, and He will lift your spirit.
With Christ as your Savior and constant Companion, you too, although alone, need never be lonely.
~Billy Graham~
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