“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.”
Into the Text
Mary focused on another aspect of God’s character. She stated that God is against the proud, arrogant, and self-sufficient but helps the humble. She contrasted how God brings down the rich and mighty while lifting up the poor and hungry. This may lead you to ask the question: Does God favor certain people above others? Is God not merciful to everyone?
A picture may help us understand this. While Jesus was hanging on the cross, his blood flowed out of His body. This blood was the river of God’s love flowing into the whole world. Yet, just as objects above cannot be reached by water flowing downwards, so God’s love is not received by the proud and arrogant who do not see their need for His mercy and forgiveness. It seems that the more secure people feel in this world through their popularity, wealth, or power, the harder it is for them to see their desperate need for God.
Water flows down into the valleys and is absorbed by soft soil. In the same way, God’s mercy is received by humble people, whose hearts have been softened by His Spirit and broken by the realization that they are sinful and utterly unable to save themselves or change themselves. It is these people that God delights to help, for they humbly admit their need for Him. They ask Him for mercy and give Him the glory when He pours His grace on them.
So often we think that we need more money, influence, and friends. We admire and look up to those who are above us in beauty and status. In these moments, it’s especially important to remember that God, who has nobody above Himself, looks to the despised and humbled. We should daily strive for humility, delighting when we can serve others. Even if we are overlooked or even rejected, we can trust that God sees us. He is a God who stoops down in mercy towards the most undeserving, unloved, and unworthy people in order to pour His grace on them in a special way.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have softened my proud heart. You have poured your love on me, and you deeply care for me. Without your mercy, there would be no hope for me. Thank you for your love and grace. Amen.