Scripture to Read: Luke 1:51
Yesterday we began to look at our Lord for His power and might. The power of God continues as a theme in Mary's praise of our Lord in Luke 1:51, "He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their heart." Mary's words indicate the power of God's might in His judgment. In Luke 1:50, Mary had spoken of God's mercy being for those who fear God. What we read in Luke 1:51, though, is "...He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts." God scattering the proud ties directly to 1 Peter 5:5 and James 4:6, direct quotes from Proverbs 3:34. Also, let's not miss where the proud are scattered too: "in the thoughts of their heart." Rather than having their minds renewed by the Word of God and their hearts transformed by the gospel of God, the prideful will face the judgment of God. Pride is not of God; therefore, we must crucify any pride within ourselves. We know we have all have been prideful, desiring selfish motives and rejecting God and His Word. Because of pride and any other sin, we deserve the wrath of God because sin always results in death (Romans 6:23a; James 1:15). The good news of the gospel during this Christmas season is that Christ came to save the proud. Our prayer should be to thank our Lord, according to John 16:8-11, knowing He, through His Holy Spirit, is convicting the proud and all others so they can humble themselves and be set free from their sin through a relationship with Him.
Challenge & Application
1. Why is it important to understand the power of God in terms of both His salvation and His judgment?
2. How can you share the gospel this week, remembering to share the good news of why Jesus came?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!