Tuesday 24th December
Read Luke 1:50-52
“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.” (NIVUK)
The second of these radical reversals is seen in the bringing down of those who think they are in charge in favour of those who they think are beneath them. Some think they are not included in this reversal because they have received ‘mercy’ and been ‘lifted up’. But even a moment’s reflection on the song reveals reasons to pause and reflect.
What does Mary mean when she refers to ‘those who are proud in their inmost thoughts’ (v51b)? Does it simply mean they walk around like strutting peacocks, demonstrating disdain for those not as good as them? Their hearts are proud on the inside and that is reflected on the outside? Or does she mean that there are people who outwardly display all the trappings of humility and follow all the religious rules but in their hearts, their inmost thoughts, are proud of their ‘well-doing’? I would prefer the first to be true, but one can’t help think that Mary is referring to the latter also.
At its heart, this second reversal deals a blow to those with ambition – both those who may play-act at humility but are proud in their inmost thoughts(v51b) and those who have succeeded and made it to the very top (v52a). Jesus changes the fortunes of the world. Those who consider others better than themselves are exalted beyond measure.
