“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50 NIV
Mary’s hymn of praise is filled with Scripture. It is similar in many ways to Hannah’s song of praise (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Although she was a young girl in a culture that tended to restrict training in the Scriptures to boys, Mary knew the Bible. She knew a great deal about God’s attributes and mercy. She knew what God had done in history for His people and what He had promised to do in sending His Messiah.
Peter encourages us, like new-born babes, to long for the pure milk of the Word so that we may taste the kindness of the Lord and grow in respect to our salvation. Have you tasted the Lord’s kindness? Mary’s entire being was caught up with the wonder and majesty of God and His grace toward her. Those who have received His mercy will be filled with praise and joy. The more we see how great God is, the more we will praise Him for His abundant mercy toward us in Christ. If we are filled with our own self-righteousness, we are not spiritually hungry. If we think that we’re basically good people, we are not hungry. Hungry people are desperate. They know they will perish if they do not find food. It is those who recognize their desperate spiritual condition and cry out to the Lord who will be satisfied. They will always long for more of Him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone acknowledged their need for God’s salvation and experienced His mercy.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord Jesus, may we never grow weary of hungering after You.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Almighty God, may we never grow weary of praising You for Your saving work in our lives through Your Son, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, through the power and ministry of Your indwelling Holy Spirit. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Luke 2:22-35
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