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.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. (Luke 1:51-53, NIV)
These verses are a part of Mary’s song of praise known as the Magnificat. They make up the heart of the song’s message and reflect the ministry of the Messiah, who would confront the pride, self-seeking, and greed so rampant in our world.
Mary sings - “he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”
Jesus taught - “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7)
Mary sings - “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”
Jesus taught - “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5)
Mary sings - “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”
Jesus taught - “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” (Luke 6:21)
Consider these words of Jesus as well:
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” (Luke 6:24-25)
What’s the takeaway from all this?
We live in an unjust, cruel, self-serving world. A world rotten to the core. A world where sin and satan reign. But through the power of God demonstrated in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that world is coming to an end, and a new world will emerge.
2 Peter 3:13 describes it like this - But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
I would also like to take a moment and note that it was Mary who God used to break four hundred years of silence in Israel. Not since the words of the prophet Malachi had Israel heard a living word from God. Yes, they had the Scriptures, but their teachers had become scribal and legalistic, living by rules and codes, doctrines, and sacrifices.
The reason for this silence was clearly the unbelief of God's people. Zechariah, who doubted the words of the angel Gabriel was struck mute because of his unbelief. What a powerful and living metaphor for the silence of the living word of God in Israel - a priest whose mouth is shut, unable to speak.
Zechariah's tongue was loosed, and he immediately spoke the word of God. But not until God released his word through a little peasant girl from Nazareth who chose to believe the impossible.
Who is God using in these days to breathe forth life into his people and church? Something to think about.
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (I Corinthians 1:26-27, NIV)
In Christ,
Dan
‘Tis the season to seek God’s living word.
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You can listen to my weekly messages at Embrace Church, High Point.
God analysis between Mary's and Jesus' words. I hope sometime you'll write about the role of prophesy in the church today. I would find it quite interesting.