“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.’” Luke 1:46-47 NIV
The late Martyn Lloyd-Jones often argued that one of the main indictments of the modern evangelical church is that we do not know God. Not knowing God as we ought, we do not know ourselves as we ought, and as a result we are focused on ourselves and our own happiness, rather than on the glory of God (see, for example, Revival [Crossway Books], Chapters 7 & 15). But Scripture always promises joy as the by-product that God graciously gives to those who know Him and seek His glory. Our text is the hymn of praise that Mary spoke in response to Elizabeth’s recognition, through the Holy Spirit, that Mary was carrying the promised Messiah in her womb. In this hymn, Mary glorifies God for His covenant mercy and for His righteous judgment. Although she was probably only 15 or 16 years old when she spoke these words, Mary had a deep understanding of God and His mercy. If we do not know God and His gracious salvation through Jesus Christ, let us be encouraged to listen carefully so that we may come to know Him. If we do know God and His salvation, the lesson is: we who have received God’s salvation should glorify Him for His mercy and judgment. May we forever, in our prayers, begin with glorifying our Lord and our God, for He alone is worthy of all glory and honour.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord Jesus, our souls glorify You and rejoice in You as our Saviour.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord Jesus, above all else, we choose to glorify and praise You for being our Saviour and Lord for You alone are worthy to receive all glory and honour. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Acts 19:1-7
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