joy-3-candles

Kyle Kilpatrick

Luke 1:49-55

必利勁
le=”color: #212020;”>“For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Reflection

In this passage, Mary moves from praising God for His blessing in her life (v 46-48), to praising God for His mighty faithfulness to Israel and thus to all mankind. It’s a beautiful tribute to God.

Truly, there is none mightier than God. No one is wealthier – the whole world is his and everything in it. It’s all His stuff, and we just trade it with each other. And yet, as we gain or lose, it’s so easy for us to believe that we are the ones who make ourselves rich or poor.

The truth is, even the richest person in the world is like a beggar at God’s feet. What do we have that He has not given us? Verse 53 says, “He has filled the hungry and sent the rich away empty.” No matter how much money we have in the bank, God wants us to experience true fulfillment – complete trust in Him.

Proverbs 18:10-12 puts it this way:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower

The righteous run to it and are safe.  

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

And like a high wall in his own esteem

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,

And before honor is humility.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower – we have strength and safety when we run to Him. By contrast, the rich man’s wealth is his strong city, a high wall in his own esteem.

Who or what is your strong tower? What do you esteem? Are you hungry for God, ready to be filled by His gifts this season?

Prayer

Father, may we be humble today. No matter our status in the world’s eyes, let us always be hungry for You. Help us to stay aware that all things come from You and all things will return to You. Keep us from pride that would close off the gates of Your blessing and the flow of your Holy Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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