Luke 1:46-56
Suggested further reading: Philippians 4:4-9
In Luke 1:46-49, Mary joyfully thanks God for what He has done for her. While her situation was unique, we can learn from her praise.
Mary’s thankful spirit is found in all of God’s most notable saints. Both David, in the Old Testament, and Paul, in the New, share her spirit of praise. We do not read far into their writings without finding them blessing and praising God. We would do well to get up every morning with a deep conviction that we are debtors to His grace and have more mercies than we deserve. God is most worthy of our praise. We would be better people if our prayers included an abundant measure of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 7:12; Philippians 4:6).
It is also clear that Mary knew well the history of God’s dealings with His people. In Luke 1:50-55 she sees what God has done and will do to fulfill His covenant with Israel. A knowledge of the history of God’s dealings with His people is most beneficial! Because of God’s immutability, such a study encourages us to believe that God always fulfills His promises and will also teach us what to expect, and will keep us from unfounded expectations, and will encourage us to persevere, and will make us hopeful.
Mary had a clear grasp of Bible promises (Luke 1:54-55) and teaches us to take a firm grip on God’s promises. To walk by faith is to stand on His promises—and on those promises we may stand with confidence. They will bear all the weight we can put on them. One day, may it be soon, we shall find that God, who always keeps His word—will do what He has promised—in His time and manner but always for His glory and our 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!!
