Word@Work Luke12 - Luke 1:51-53
Published: Thu, 01/07/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TRANSFORMED VALUES
Luke 1:51-53 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. (NIV)
Mary's faith had given her an understanding about what really matters, because she knew what was important to God. Although we may applaud human achievements, the creation was God's enterprise, salvation was God's plan and the second coming of Jesus will mark the end of history. God's powerful deeds are irresistible and history-making, and no human agency can ultimately defy His sovereignty. To put it plainly, God does things very differently than proud humanity would dream up. And He works towards long term objectives in total assurance of His own power; while we operate short term pretending that our wisdom is right and our power is sufficient.
By human standards, Jesus should have been born in a palace to a wealthy ruler who dominated others. But that was not God's way. The Son of God was born amongst animals, evacuated as a refugee and laboured as a craftsman; before fulfilling His purpose in a sacrificial crucifixion. Jesus said that those who wanted to follow Him must value that kind of lifestyle, crucifying self-interest on a daily basis (see Luke 9:23-24). Mary was willing for that, and Simeon's prophecy predicted that she would experience her own personal suffering when Jesus was put to death (see Luke 2:35).
By contrast, the commercial world encourages self-assertion, and glorifies those with big ideas; but God can scatter them like the wind blowing away the autumn leaves. The rulers of empires, countries, business and academia are only in their positions as long as God allows; but He will elevate the humble, because they can be trusted. Those who are hungry for righteousness will find God's satisfaction (see Luke 6:21), but the wealthy who are self-satisfied and oppress others find no place in God's kingdom (see James 5:1-6). So, if you are a true follower of Jesus, you will be making radical decisions this year which the world will not understand. At the same time, encourage other believers to stay true to God's lasting values; and trust Him to vindicate you in the end.
Prayer: Almighty God. I know that You can do all things, but sometimes I forget that You are All-mighty. Forgive me when I put my petty power-agenda in the place of hearing Your voice and working with You. Help me to be like Mary who valued humility, service and acceptance of Your will. And please enable me to encourage other believers to think that same way and to be an example, making decisions which show that I am truly Your disciple. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Mary's faith had given her an understanding about what really matters, because she knew what was important to God. Although we may applaud human achievements, the creation was God's enterprise, salvation was God's plan and the second coming of Jesus will mark the end of history. God's powerful deeds are irresistible and history-making, and no human agency can ultimately defy His sovereignty. To put it plainly, God does things very differently than proud humanity would dream up. And He works towards long term objectives in total assurance of His own power; while we operate short term pretending that our wisdom is right and our power is sufficient.
By human standards, Jesus should have been born in a palace to a wealthy ruler who dominated others. But that was not God's way. The Son of God was born amongst animals, evacuated as a refugee and laboured as a craftsman; before fulfilling His purpose in a sacrificial crucifixion. Jesus said that those who wanted to follow Him must value that kind of lifestyle, crucifying self-interest on a daily basis (see Luke 9:23-24). Mary was willing for that, and Simeon's prophecy predicted that she would experience her own personal suffering when Jesus was put to death (see Luke 2:35).
By contrast, the commercial world encourages self-assertion, and glorifies those with big ideas; but God can scatter them like the wind blowing away the autumn leaves. The rulers of empires, countries, business and academia are only in their positions as long as God allows; but He will elevate the humble, because they can be trusted. Those who are hungry for righteousness will find God's satisfaction (see Luke 6:21), but the wealthy who are self-satisfied and oppress others find no place in God's kingdom (see James 5:1-6). So, if you are a true follower of Jesus, you will be making radical decisions this year which the world will not understand. At the same time, encourage other believers to stay true to God's lasting values; and trust Him to vindicate you in the end.
Prayer: Almighty God. I know that You can do all things, but sometimes I forget that You are All-mighty. Forgive me when I put my petty power-agenda in the place of hearing Your voice and working with You. Help me to be like Mary who valued humility, service and acceptance of Your will. And please enable me to encourage other believers to think that same way and to be an example, making decisions which show that I am truly Your disciple. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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