SUNDAY December 17, 2023
God Has Done Great Things
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.”
Luke 1:46-49
Mary’s heart overflowed in worship. She praised God for all He was doing in her life. The praise from her heart was spontaneous. Mary magnified the Lord, knowing the Child she carried in her womb was also her Savior. It is important to understand, this Holy Child she carried in her womb would not only be the Savior of the world, He would also be Mary’s own Savior. Mary, although pure, was not sinless like her Savior. Even though blessed among women, she too needed salvation.
In sincere humility, Mary rejoiced in her mighty God. She very much recognized her poor estate––a lowly maidservant of her Lord. She saw herself in the correct light and understood the profound truth of her insignificance compared to the greatness of God. He has done great things for her. She enthusiastically praised His glorious and holy name.
Mary knew the ancient promise given to Abraham from long ago. It was evident in her song: “He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our father, to Abraham and to His seed forever” (Luke 1:54-55). What was the promise made to Abraham? Written hundreds of years before, and passed on from one generation to another in Israel, was the promise of the coming Messiah:
“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).
God has done great things for each one of us! At Christmas, we are reminded of God’s redemption plan for mankind through the Child Mary carried in her womb. Jesus is the One who came to save us!
Jesus Christ is the great blessing of the world, the greatest that ever the world was blessed with. He is a family blessing, by him salvation is brought to the house….
~Matthew Henry~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
