Scripture to Read: Luke 1:50–56
In Luke 1:50–55, Mary continued in her praise and honor of our Lord; she recognized God’s incredible mercy being offered to generation after generation. But the only ones who experience the fullness of God’s mercy are those who fear Him. Those who fear the Lord are the ones who willingly surrender their lives to Him. When someone surrenders to Christ, they receive the fullness of God’s mercy (Ephesians 2:4). It’s not that God is not offering His mercy to everyone, because He is. But until some- one surrenders to Christ as Lord, even though God’s mercy is offered as a gift, the gift has not yet been received. Only those who fear God and deeply revere and respect Him know and experience His mercy. Those who are proud, boastful, and ar- rogant, God opposes (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). God only exalts those who willingly humble themselves before Him. When we humble ourselves, then Christ is glorified in us and through us. Everything we do and say brings honor to our King and not to ourselves. God is also the One who fills our lives with what we need. He fills our hungry souls as we feed on His Word and are nourished by Him (Psalm 19:10, Psalm 119:103). God is our help, just as He has always been for His creation. God has laid out His promises for mankind, starting in Genesis, and He has provided for us our Redeemer. Just as Mary knew God had a purpose and plan for her and willingly walked in it, so we must know and do as well.
Challenge & Application
• It’s awesome to know God has a purpose and plan for us. How are you walking in His purpose and plan for you?
• Who will you talk to this week about how God has designed them for a relationship with Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!