Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 7Sample

Today’s verse (Luke 1:49) is part of Mary’s song, the so-called Magnificat. She sings it after Elizabeth has blessed her. It is a great statement of faith and a wonderful act of worship. I find it really impressive when you think that Mary was still a simple girl, in a very unique situation that had never happened to anyone before (and would never happen again).

This short verse contains three great truths:

1. God is mighty.

2. God has done great things for me.

3. God’s name is holy.

Between praising God for His power and holiness and expressing her awe and adoration, Mary points out her own story with God. He has done great things for her. Yes, that is true, but how could she know this at this stage? I think it was a supernatural act of understanding, a divine insight into God’s whole story with mankind and the role she was to play in it; that’s why she goes on to praise God’s mercy for all who fear Him, from generation to generation.

At the same time, this verse is an expression of her trust. Mary understands God’s great love for her and believes in it. Even when she does not see fully yet, she can praise her Father in heaven. He is not only mighty and holy, but He sees the hungry, the weak, and the wounded. He lifts them up, helps them, and cares for them. She can trust in this even though it might not yet have come fully to pass. Can you?

Which one of the three truths is most important for you today? Have you discovered your own story with God? Can you trust that God is at work, even though you might not yet be able to see it fully?