1:48
A common statement throughout the Bible is that the Lord has regard for the humble. Jesus said blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth (Matt 5:5), echoing Psalm 37:11. Conversely, God opposes the proud (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34). A humble person is one who puts their trust in God, knowing the limits of their own power and abilities. It is not someone who thinks themselves worthless and utterly useless (though there may be times when we feel like that). Rather we know the limits of the abilities we have, and that those we have come from God anyway. We recognise our dependence upon Him.
1:49
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is His Name”. So why does Mary glorify the Lord? Because He has done great things for her. Now what are these great things? In this case it is not answer to any specific prayer. From what we know it would appear that Mary had just been getting on with life, humbly trusting in the Lord. The great things are bringing Mary into His plans, and choosing her for such a purpose as bearing His Son. There can be a selfishness at times, eg God has made me rich, etc, and we rightly react against this. However, we must not go to the other extreme. The Bible is quite clear in that the greatness of God is shown again and again in what He does for His people.
1:50
The mercy of God goes freely to those who fear Him, and from one generation to the next. Fearing the Lord means knowing that He is the One who is Lord of All, who is sovereign over all. Knowing that our well-being depends ultimately upon the Lord. And knowing that He is just and that all, including ourselves, must give an account to Him. If we do fear Him, then we will receive mercy.
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