“Holy is his name. Holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:49-50 NIV
Mary further teaches that God’s name is holy. His name refers to His person, the sum of His attributes. To be holy means to be set apart. It refers not only to God’s absolute moral righteousness, but also to His being set apart as the only sovereign authority over people. He is to be held in highest esteem and to be feared. Thankfully, Mary does not leave us with just these attributes of God, or we would not dare to approach Him! She goes on to emphasize God’s great mercy. God’s mercy and His grace are close in meaning, both emphasizing His undeserved favour. Mercy has the connotation of God’s compassion due to our miserable condition. When Mary speaks of God’s mercy on those who fear Him, we should not conclude that somehow their reverence earns them God’s favour. His mercy is always unmerited in the sense that it flows totally from His great love and not because of anything we do to deserve it. But when God bestows His mercy, those who receive it respond with grateful reverence to Him. Mary adds that God is the giver of good things (Luke 1:53). As James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation.” Jesus taught that even earthly fathers, though evil, know how to give good gifts to their children. How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to His children who ask Him (Luke 11:13)? Mary shows that God is faithful to His covenant promises. What God has promised, He will fulfil in His time.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, thank You that what You have promised, You will fulfil in Your time.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, Your mercy is always unmerited in the sense that it flows totally from Your great love for us and not because we deserve it. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for fulfilling them in Your time. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Luke 1:39-45
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