Friday, December 18, 2015

December 19, 2015

"And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on 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 for those who fear him from generation to generation.  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their throne and exalted those of humble estate; 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 and to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:46-55
These verses comprise one of the greatest expressions of praise in a Bible filled with praises. Some people call it the "Magnificat" and it is highly revered by all Christians whether Catholic or Protestant.
What prompted this praise?
That is a great question and the answers are even better!
First, Mary is praising God because He chose to use her to bring the Savior to the world! 
I can’t think of anything that inspires praise in me more than when God chooses to use me. How about you? I mean, seriously, what is better than being used by God to accomplish something you could never do on your own? That’s about as good as it gets!
How has God been using you lately?
Have you praised him for it?
Second, Mary is praising God because He is bringing salvation to her! As Mark Lowery observes in the powerful lyrics of his inspiring song, “Mary Did You Know”, the child that she delivered would soon deliver her!
If you cannot praise God for bringing you salvation then you aren’t praiseworthy….I just don’t know what else to say about that.
There is no higher personal reason for praising God than the gift of salvation!
When was the last time you praised God for your salvation?
Third, Mary praises God because His Kingdom has come with the birth of His Son!
God’s Kingdom turned the world upside down! The powerful are humbled and the powerless are lifted up! The captives are set free! The blind will be made to see and the lame walk again. Those in darkness are brought into the light and the hungry are fed!
Mary’s Son declared God’s Kingdom with His teaching, He demonstrated God’s Kingdom with His miracles and then He delivered God’s Kingdom with His death and resurrection!
Jesus won back what Adam lost! That’s a reason for praise!
And, Fourth, Mary is praising God because He kept His promises! The birth, the life, the death and the resurrection of Jesus fulfilled over 300 promises of God!
Aren’t you excited about a God who does what He promises?
Isn’t that a reason for praise?
It is also a reason for hope because if God has kept His promises from the past you can be confident in His promises for your future!
When did you last praise God for His promises?
The Christmas Season is a reason for praise!
Will you praise Him today?