Mary and Elizabeth shared an ancient dream, the dream of Israel – that one day Israel’s God would come and rescue his people; that he would at last do what he had promised to their ancestors – to bless all the families of the earth through the family of Abraham. And now excitement is building because the Holy Spirit is at work. Something new is happening. The dream is becoming a reality. The world is about to be turned upside down. And so Mary bursts into song – a song that simply celebrates God, who is Lord, Saviour, Mighty, Holy, Merciful, and Faithful.
• What has God done to change your life?
• How can you celebrate God today?
• What do you think God wants to turn upside down in your world?
• Can you imagine the bursting open of disappointment into bright hope? What might that look like in your life at present?
It is over 40 years since coming to faith and I am still constantly amazed at how God "interrupts" my life with His agenda. From being "retired early" to preparing teaching material for church leaders in Romania. 40 years ago I prayed the Isaiah prayer "send me" and He has!
ReplyDeleteI remember someone in a FGBMFI speaking prophetically to me in 1980, when, at the age of 30, I was still living in a bed-sit, just paying my way with my earnings (living in London always was expensive!), little in the way of savings, and no idea how I would ever break out of it. It happened gradually, but I remember the incredible sense of joy in 1985 when my first daughter was born - my feet were about 2" above the ground that day - I was married, had a home, and now a child, and on reflection, that prophecy of the Lords care for me had been utterly fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteWhen I reflected on the ups and downs of my journey, I was quite undone to think how kind God has been, how patient. God has brought me through lots of challenges, despite my waywardness, to a place of leadership that I never could have expected. I felt very humble beside so much loving mercy. I love singing that hymn, 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing', which says it all.
ReplyDeleteThe readings yesterday and today, along with our life group study of Ruth 2 last night has brought to life God's loving provision, His power to redeem seemingly hopeless situations and the expectation of new beginnings as we seek to trust our personal situations to Him. As I read Mary's song I felt so drawn to and amazed by our God who, in my life, has revealed Himself "mindful of the humble state of his servant."
ReplyDeleteWe're wondering if Joseph knew about the pregnancy before Mary went off for 3 months. Matthew talks about an angel appearing to Joseph in a dream but when was this? And didn't he think it a bit odd that she cleared off for 3 months if they were engaged? I'm guessing it was some kind of common occurence to do that in those days....
ReplyDeleteAnyone know?
Mary's song show us that this ordinary young woman has a sight of God's great plan of salvation which is not understood by the wise, the rich and powerful. Again, God chooses the 'foolish' things of the world to shame the wise. (1 Cor 1.27).
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps this Lent, we should think where we are in this song. Are we perhaps the proud, the powerful, the rich in verses 51-53, which are verses with a very contemporary resonance.