Day Seventeen

December 19

Let’s begin today’s devotional by reading the next five lines of the Magnificat:

“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. (verses 48–52)

Mary owns her need of a Savior and praises God so humbly for regarding her lowly estate that we are understandably startled when she proclaims: “All generations will call me blessed!” But these aren’t proud words. Mary knows what she’s facing in the short term from people, and she isn’t expecting accolades. This is the praise of a yielded young woman taking the long view on what God is doing in her life. She praises Him for lifting her out of obscurity, but she quickly testifies that He has always lifted up those who bow down before Him, and He always will.

17) God knew what lay ahead for the precious baby in Mary’s womb, but He allowed it all to redeem you and me, to bring us into eternal life with Him. We are people who tend to want what we want, and we want it now. Let’s compose a prayer of gratitude for God taking the long view, and then ask Him to help us have a long view, too!

Hugs,
Shellie