for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1.46-55
Mary sees clearly a most remarkable thing about God: He is about to change the course of all human history. The most important three decades in all of time are about to begin.
And where is God? Occupying himself with two obscure, humble women - one old and barren (Elizabeth), one young and virginal (Mary). And Mary is so moved by this vision of God, the lover of the lowly, that she breaks out in song - a song that has come to be known as “the Magnificat” (Luke 1.46-55).
Mary and Elizabeth are wonderful heroines in Luke’s account. He loves the faith of these women. The thing that impresses him most, it appears, and the thing he wants to impress on Theophilus, his noble reader, is the lowliness and cheerful humility of Elizabeth and Mary.
Elizabeth says,“ Why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?” (Luke 1.43). And Mary says, “He has looked on the humble estate of his servant” ( Luke 1.48).
The only people whose soul can truly magnify the Lord are people like Elizabeth and Mary - people who acknowledge their lowly estate and are overwhelmed by the condescension of the magnificent God.
John Piper. Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent (Kindle Locations 194-200). Desiring God.
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Humility - a virtue that is much valued in my line of work. It's a necessity.
I have actually heard someone say, "I'm really humble. I think it's one of my best traits."
I have been tempted to strive to be humble. So that I could be good at it.
True humility is of great worth. God esteems it. And the world needs it.
I consider people I have known who are truly humble, and the powerful impact they have had on my life.
I still can't quite get over the fact that one of the most humble, servant-hearted people I've ever known chose me to be be his wife. I look up to him, as he represents the light of Christ. And I am thankful.
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