Scripture to Read: Luke 1:46-49
In Luke 1:46–49, Mary began to praise our Lord. Praise is what our Lord deserves from us every day of our lives, for He alone is God, Master, King, Lord. Praise is what every servant of our Lord should be proclaiming. Praising God occurs when we fully understand how awesome He is and all that He has done for us. Mary recognized, as we read in Luke 1:48, that she was a bondslave (“one who is submissive to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master”) of our Lord. Mary knew she had nothing to offer God except her willingness to obey and trust Him. We also have nothing to offer God except to do the same. We must willingly obey and trust our Lord because we have surrendered to Him, and obedience is proof of being surrendered. Mary also rejoiced in God as her Savior. Rejoicing, just like praising, is an act of the will. We must choose to rejoice in our Lord no matter our circumstances. This world tries to offer us stuff to delight in. But, though we might find momentary pleasure in this world, nothing is worthy of our praise or rejoicing over. God is the only one worthy of our praise, and He is whom we delight in. Mary also spoke of all generations counting her blessed. Mary was blessed, for she had the privilege of carrying our Lord and Savior in her womb. Today, we are blessed because our Lord and Savior dwells in us. Let’s practice praising our Lord and rejoicing in Him, for He is worthy.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about praising Him and rejoicing in Him, knowing all He’s done for us?
· With what God has taught you, how will that change the way you praise God and rejoice in who He is and what He’s done?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!