In Search Of A Better Tomorrow

Time Alone With God daily devotional

Written by Pastor Phil Stout, JAXNAZ Church

Saturday, December 3

Read: Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:46-55
New International Version (NIV)

Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”

Start:

Consider: Mary’s song is, in part, a prophecy. And like so many of God’s prophets, she presented her words in the past tense, as if these things had already taken place.

“He has performed mighty deeds…scattered those who are proud…brought down rulers…lifted up the humble…filled the hungry…sent the rich away empty…”

There is certainty in her words—great confidence in what her son would do. And for those in power who were committed to keeping their power, this was not good news. Why, if Augustus would have heard those words, Mary would have been arrested for treason. It wasn’t safe to proclaim Jesus as Lord when the empire was saying “Caesar is Lord” (Acts 17:6-8).

But in the great turmoil of those months leading up to Jesus’ birth, the Holy Spirit had somehow taught her something about this baby in her womb. Somehow she was beginning to understand what Isaiah meant when he said that “the government will be on his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6). Her words showed that a new kingdom was on the way and the world would never be the same.

Isaiah also talked about it in the past tense, as well as the present and the future…

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7)

The new kingdom—it has happened, it is happening and it will happen. Such is the reality of Advent.

Pray: “Lord, so often I am trapped in time. I regret the past or dread the future. But you are the God who was, who is and who is to come (Revelation 1:8). Thank you that the kingdom you bring transcends time. Help me to live in eternity in this moment, filled with gratitude for your coming and your presence.”