And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. 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. And His 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. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.” And Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months, and returned to her house. [Luke 1:46-56 NKJV] Today’s verses are often called “The Song of Mary”, and they form a beautiful hymn of praise. Mary is plainly hearing from The Holy Spirit during her visit with Zacharias and Elizabeth, and we can imagine that this time of ‘confinement’ for both women would have been very special. We know from the context of previous verses that both women — hearing from the Holy Spirit — knew of the role each was enacting and of the deep importance that their children would be. The outworking of this joyful time would bring many trials and incredible sorrow, but the words of Mary’s song remain. There are words of thanksgiving and appreciation to God, and a recognition of the wonders He performs — lifting up those who are ‘poor in spirit’. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5:3 NKJV] When it is a question of God’s Almighty Spirit, never say “I can’t.” Never let the limitation of natural ability come in. If we have received the Holy Spirit, God expects the work of the Holy Spirit to be manifested in us. |
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS…Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Archives
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GEORGE and GILL STEWART |