Mary's Song of PraiseSample

The strong arm of God

‘He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty’ (Luke 1:51-53 ESV).

It is not a sweet, dreamy lullaby that Mary sings. She lived in a harsh time. Israel suffered under occupation by the Romans. Mary dares to speak forcefully about toppling thrones of proud rulers. They will be deeply humiliated. Earthly empires and powers will always come to an end. Always!

Rulers full of self-importance will have to watch in humiliation as God gives people who are insignificant in their eyes places of honor. Mary was so convinced of God's power that she sang about it as if God had already put everything perfectly right. In them, we hear God's promises that help us persevere (1 Samuel 2:7-10). Other believers in the Bible can also encourage us in this manner.

As believers today, we can encourage one another by continuing to sing of God's love together (Psalm 146). Enduring suffering is hard and can seem hopeless. God promises that we are never alone. What a relief it is to know that it is not our inadequate strength that will prevail over evil in the end, but God’s love.

Lord God, I pray that …

Lord God, I thank You that …