Scripture to Read: Luke 1:48
Yesterday, our focus was on the first stanza in Mary's song of praise as she gave glory to our Lord for His gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we continue to unpack all of the reasons for which Mary thanked our Lord. First, we read in Luke 1:48, "for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed." We might think that it would have been easy for Mary to get puffed up with pride because God had chosen her as the mother of the King of all kings, our Lord Jesus. But Mary humbled herself before God Almighty and even called herself His servant to carry out His will, not her own. She was "blessed" not because she was perfect but because, as Gabriel told her in Luke 1:30, "you have found favor with God." We also are to walk in God's favor each day (Galatians 1:10) for we too are His servants. Each Christmas should serve as a celebration of the love of God as He blessed Mary to carry His child, our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary's humility is an excellent reminder to us that God gives His grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:6; James 4:6). Just as God chose Mary by His grace to be the mother of Jesus, God also has chosen us to be in Christ by His grace. No one can come to Christ without humbling themselves first. As we serve our Lord this season, let us all guard our hearts against arrogance and pride.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you about humility and about His favor and grace?
2. How does 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 challenge us to live as humble servants of our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!