Advent According to Luke (04) - The Advent of Mary’s Savior (Magnificat)

Advent According to Luke (04) - The Advent of Mary’s Savior (Magnificat)  

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50 “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. 51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. 53 “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. 54 “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.” Luke 1:46–55

Prepared Deliverance - The Bible prepares us for the Annunciation of a virgin birth with a series of similar cases of women who are barren who by God’s power give birth to firstborn sons: Hagar/Gen. 16, Sarah/Gen. 18, Hannah/1 Sam. 1-2, the wife of Manoah/Jdg. 13, Isaiah/Isa. 7, and Zechariah/Lk. 1. In the fulness of time God sent His Son. Mary’s unique role is still a model for us because her example is the culmination of a long anticipation of promised births.

Promised Deliverance - Mary’s celebration of God’s redeeming work expands from “for me” to “for Israel.” Mary ends her song triumphantly (1:55-56): God remembers his people and acts in mercy. He is the covenant-making God and (now clearly) the covenant-keeping God. The word he spoke to Abraham (see Gen. 12:1-3) is now coming to fulfillment. All the nations will be blessed in Mary’s baby. Mary’s seed is Abraham’s seed. The blessing promised back in Gen. 12 is one of peace, restoration, wholeness, and joy for the world. The family of Mary will bless all the families of the earth.

Prayerful Deliverance - Mary’s praiseful song is a model. Mary prays in faith. Very little had changed in a visible way in the world at the time she sings. Various Herods and Tiberius Caesar were still on the throne. Tiberius off the charts evil according to ancient biographers. Rome’s power and might ruled. Unrighteous leaders of Israel were still in place, Sadducees and Pharisees, etc. There were plenty of oppressed and needy believers. Yet she praises God (by faith) for mighty deliverances. Let us honor her by following her example.