This morning I was reading Luke 1 where Zacharias gets his voice back, names his son John, and then pronounces what's known as the Benedictus. I was thinking this important speech takes a back seat to the Magnificat earlier in the chapter for some reason. So, I read Mary's words and came up with the thought that most usually gets highlighted in this speech.HOWEVER...after Mary praises God for her divine pregnancy, she's got a lot of other important things to say. Take a look:
Luke 1:49-55, "For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever."
My comments:
49: God's intrinsic nature is shown in his power and holiness.
50: His mercy extends to multiple generations in believing families.
51-52: God determines world history, just as Daniel 2:20ff says.
53: The social/political/economic structure of the world depends on His determinations.
54: Israel as a nation state/people group have been/will be part of his Game Plan.
55: God's a 'man of his word,' so to speak; which means all the Bible predicts will take place.
Sounds to me like Mary was a good Calvinist 1500 years before Old Jean shuffled onto this mortal coil. Well, I hear some paint calling me...
Got the picture?
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