SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE

Luke 1:50-53

Scripture meditations like this one help us connect with God each day and help us recognize reasons why the Bible is relevant today.

 

What Do We Know About God?

There were a lot of expectations for who the Messiah should be. Many thought he would be a great earthly ruler or military leader overthrowing the powers of the time, and restoring the kingdom and prosperity to Israel. Jesus did fulfill all of the prophecies of the Old Testament. He was simultaneously priest, king, and savior, and he remains so today. However, the manner in which he perfectly attained all of these titles did not fit into the boxes that were expected.

Often, we still try to mold Jesus into someone who will meet our own desires. We focus a lot on what we want to get out of him, instead of what we should learn from him. But, his mother, Mary, seemed to know the character of God, as well as the characteristics that please him, when she sang this hymn of praise:

Luke 1:50-53

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

ย ย ย ย from generation to generation.

51ย  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

ย ย ย ย he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

ย ย ย ย but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

ย ย ย ย but has sent the rich away empty.

Observations from the Text

  • God is merciful (v. 50)
  • God works powerfully in the world (v. 51)
  • Pride can poison our minds (v. 51)
  • God lifts up the humble and lowly (v. 52)
  • He cares for the poor and the oppressed (v. 53)

Prayers of Response

Father, right now I have been wishing for ___________, but I know that desire is not of you.

Merciful Savior, let me show forgiveness to ______________, as you have forgiven me.

Prayer Requests

Lord, please give me humility as I deal with _______________.

God who cares for the poor, help me see trust in your provision with ____________.

Prayers of Readiness

Humble Christ, I think I am ready to face my pride in the situation of _______________.

Generous Father, today when I _____________, give me eyes to see the ways in which I can care for the forgotten.

 

Connecting with God in the ordinary, everyday moments of life can be challenging if you arenโ€™t sure how to start reading the Bible. But Scripture meditations are a great way to get started reading the Bibleโ€”click here to see more!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Versionยฎ, NIVยฎ. Copyright ยฉ 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.โ„ข Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The โ€œNIVโ€ and โ€œNew International Versionโ€ are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.โ„ข