“He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree” (Luke 1:52).

In the midst of Mary’s song of praise to the Lord in Luke 1:46–55, she presents the state of believers at various times during their lives. There are moments of great joy such as this awareness of the baby Jesus that will soon be hers to hold and nourish. And then there are occasions of great decision when the enemies of God are persecuting the saints. The latter is occurring in many places even today. What is our hope under such circumstances? It is to remember the strong arm of the Lord that delivers and saves. “For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation” (vv.49,50).

What a comfort to know that He scatters the proud. How they design and scheme to destroy God’s chosen ones. In their evil imaginations they boldly declare there is no God, and they boast that they are a measure unto themselves. How foolish that a man would huff and puff until his confidence rests in the seat of his office. Yet, our verse declares that “He hath put down the mighty from their seats.” Our dilemma is short lived, but His mercy goes on generation after generation.

Looking up from the depths of a defeat at the hands of opposers, one wonders when will God exalt them of low degree? When will He fill the hungry and empty the rich (v.53)? One answer is that when we have exhausted our own responsibilities, then it’s up to God to carry through. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). KBC