The Demonstration of His Power

based on the LGG Study, Rejoice–Celebrating the Season of Advent

Scripture: God’s Road Map for Our Journey/Luke 1:51-53; James 4:6-10; Revelation 3:17-20

His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
    He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
⁵² He has brought down princes from their thrones
    and exalted the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away with empty hands.

Luke 1:51-53

I love that Mary’s song is not just filled with praise but with hope. As she recounts the goodness and faithfulness of God in the past, she not only receives hope in the promises yet to be fulfilled through Christ, but she gives hope to all who heard her words then and to us who read them now.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in hopeless or startling situations. Whether it is ongoing health issues, aging parents, financial crises, or the various needs of life, along with relationship troubles and so much more … the world is filled with hopelessness. So, when I read this more than-familiar passage, I rejoiced as I realized with a fresh understanding of her words – that Mary’s song is not simply filled with praise but with hope – as she reminds us that “God is against the proud, arrogant, and self-sufficient but helps the humble – He brings down the rich and mighty while lifting up the poor and hungry.”¹

“Mary makes many allusions to the Old and New Testaments (such as Isa 9:6-7 and Rev. 19:11-15 and 21:1-5) – so that God is praised for both the past and how the coming child will accomplish these things in the future.” – Bibleref.com

Read it again, and note how Mary recounts the goodness and faithfulness of God in the past; in doing so, she gives hope to the promises that have yet to be fulfilled through Christ. Note the “He has” phrases: He has demonstrated power with His arm…He has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance of their hearts… He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and …has lifted up those of lowly position… He has filled the hungry with good things and … has sent the rich away empty. Clearly, the victory belongs to the Lord, and knowing/remembering this truth is always a strength for the soul of a child of God.

Do you ever feel hopeless? Turn your concerns and fears or anxieties into praises to God. He will fill you with peace, and others around you will see God at work in you. 🦋

Prayer of Response to the Word

Father, without Your mercy, there would be no hope – We look to You – who You are, what You have done, and what You have promised and we find hope because we see that You are a good and faithful Father – and I praise You, Amen 💜

1. Love God Greatly Journal, Rejoice/p113 ↩︎