Scripture to Read: Luke 1:46-49
As we read Luke 1:46-49, Mary begins by praising our Lord. Praise is what our Lord deserves, for He alone is God, Master, King, Lord. Praise is what every servant of our Lord should be doing daily. We praise God when we fully understand how awesome He is and also know all that He has done for us. Mary recognized as we read in verse 48 that she was a bondslave (the word bondslave means “one who is submissive to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master”) of her Lord. She 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, that we willingly obey and trust Him because He is our Lord and Master. 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 because we know this world offers us nothing to rejoice in. We might find some momentary pleasure in this world, but nothing in this world is worthy of praise nor really rejoicing over. God is the only one worthy of our praise, and He is who we rejoice in, because of His rich mercy, grace, love, kindness, forgiveness, etc.… Then Mary speaks of all generations counting her blessed. She was blessed, for she carried our Lord and Savior. But we also are blessed because now our Lord and Savior lives in us. He truly has done great things for us all.
Challenge & Application
What did you learn today about praising our God and rejoicing in Him? How will what you have learned change the way you praise God and also 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!