“Indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”
Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:50 (NRSV)
Kindness
Mary knew the Lord’s revelation of God’s character. It was from one of the more famous passages of her day, and of ours as well. Moses had asked to see God, and God had given a glimpse of the Lord’s great glory. God spoke of the Lord’s mercy and tenderness, saying, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Throughout the scriptures God had proven patient and forbearing, compassionate and forgiving.
God’s Law also required the people of God to set themselves apart as a people like their God, to reverence the Lord, and to be generous and merciful as the Lord. Every seven years, the people and the land were to rest as an act of holy benevolence, and every fifty years, all debts were to be forgiven.
In her praise of God, Mary extended the Lord’s kindness to all those who would fear God, who would worship the Lord in all humility. All who reverence the Lord belong to God and will receive the Lord’s mercy.
Jesus continued to bestow that same kindness throughout His ministry, teaching mercy in all things. Jesus had compassion on the crowds who pursued Him, always ministering to them, restoring those sick, or hurt, or burdened. At the cross, the Lamb of God would offer God’s greatest gift of mercy, beginning the work of reconciling all things to Himself (Colossians 1:20).
Christmas Carol
Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:Come and worship, come and worship,
“Angels From The Realm Of Glory” James Montgomery (1816)
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Prayer
Thank You, O Lord, for having mercy on us, for Your patience and compassion, for giving us every kindness. Your mercy does bless us, and teaches us to be merciful.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
Jesus’s Beatitudes, Matthew 5:7 (NRSV)
