Saturday, December 19

Luke 1:46-55

Yesterday we found John bending the rules of time; today we find Mary toying with time. Listen to some of her song:

He has shown strength with his arm;
            he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
            and lifted up the lowly.

Do you notice the tense she’s using? She’s speaking as if God has already done these things.

To some extent, he has, of course. Throughout history, God has been concerned with the plight of the poor—the widow, the orphan, the outcast, and the stranger. He has removed the power from wicked people and has elevated those who have lived in humiliation.

But he hasn’t done it once and for all. The hearts of the proud are still intact, powerful people still rule, the lowly are still low, the hungry are still hungry, and the rich are still rich.

So why is Mary speaking as if it is completed? As if it’s in the past?

Because she’s confident of it. God is trustworthy and true. He will keep the promise he made to Mary’s ancestors (v. 55). It is as if it is already accomplished.

Prayer: Lord, you have promised to put the world to rights. Your promises are so sure that it’s as if it has already come to pass. Along with Mary, I rejoice in your goodness and your faithfulness.