Luke 1:46-56
Suggest further reading: James 1:19-25
Mary prays Scripture! Her prayer sounds like one of the Psalms and reflects the prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:2-10). Her mind must have been so filled with Scripture, that when she wishes to express her deepest feelings, she naturally uses Scriptural language. Being moved by events, she begins to praise God, using the language that the Holy Spirit had already consecrated and used.
She should motivate us to become deeply familiar with Scripture that we can pray it by heart. Let us study it, search it, and mediate on it until it dwells in us richly (Colossians 3:16). Let us endeavor to make ourselves familiar with all of Scripture, especially the Psalms, where the saints of old prayed to God in praise and pain. This will help us to pray and have suitable language in which to express ourselves to God. One way to gain such a knowledge of the Bible is daily study. Do not think that time spent in Bible study is misspent. It will bear fruit.
Although Mary was chosen by God to have the high honor of being Messiah’s mother, she speaks of her low position and her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47-48), In her humility, she does not regard herself as sinless. Instead, she speaks as one who has been taught by the grace of God to feel her own sins and so far from being able to save others, requires a Savior for herself.
Here is a model for us to copy with benefit. We need not regard her as another mediator or pray to her. But like her, let us be humble even in our own eyes. Humility is a great grace that adorns the Christian who possesses it. Ask God to make you humble. He loves those who are humble, for they are the ones He can use to His glory and their blessing.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
