50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
In addition to the mercy God demonstrates, Mary “sings” of His power against the enemy. We see there is power against those who were proud. God defeated and promises defeat of evil. Those oppressors are no match for God. We can rebel; we can declare our self-sufficiency. We can flex our muscles, but God laughs. His power will be demonstrated.
Jesus taught that in order to be first in His kingdom you must be last of all and servant of all. So many people like to take pride in their religions and self. Jesus knocks all the props out of each one of us when he says if you are a man or woman of faith, it is shown in your servanthood, humility and willing attitude to serve.
It is Stanly Jones who said, "The Magnificat is the most revolutionary document in the world." Why? Because of the revolutions of the people mentioned in this passage. God will make things right. This world is full of injustice, prejudice, unfairness and inappropriate oppression. But God will make it right.
Rulers will be brought down. Let’s think for a minute of the rulers and kings that were involved during the time of Christ. There was Herod. He was so threatened by paranoia that he had all the babies killed when he heard that the Christ was born in Bethlehem. There was Pilate. He had no more power than God would allow and finally allowed Jesus to be put to death. He mistakenly even thought he had that power, yet he was overcome when Christ arose. Herod the tetrarch. Festus Agrippa, Caesar rulers from their throne could not stop the humble. In that final spiritual contest when the last of days are done; the mighty forces of this world defeated, God's humble children have won."
The history of Israel throughout the Old Testament demonstrated the power of God against their enemies. The good news is God wins. He is powerful to overcome sin and death and any opponent along the way. I can’t help but think of the ungodly oppression of Russian upon innocent people. I cannot predict the immediate future but know that in the end God will punish and He will win.
The real foe, however is not human, but superhuman. It is Satan and the fallen angels that had a hand in history that we don’t’ always understand and there is no better place to be in the power and the protection of God. God is powerful and will destroy the enemy and has come to do that very thing. For that in all of history in the past and to come, rejoice the Lord is come. He wins.
Application: Pray that the world might "Behold Your King, before Him lowly bend".
Prayer: Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
With all our hearts we praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord, then ever, ever praise we
His power and glory ever more proclaim
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