God scatters the proud because pride is sinful and hinders us from seeking Him. Mary understood this as she sang her song of praise. Luke 1:51His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. [1] What can we learn from Mary?
Mary had traveled over fifty miles to be with Elizabeth, her relative. Both women were pregnant in supernatural ways. As they greeted each other, Mary responded to Elizabeth’s insight into her pregnancy. Mary recounted how blessed she was that God would notice such a lowly and humble servant to be the mother of the Messiah.
While God shows mercy from generation to generation to those who fear Him, the proud often don’t see a need for God. The Scripture gives insight into the Lord’s displeasure of proud people. James 4:6As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[2]
Mary Praised God’s Power
Jesus gives us insight into how the Father works with us. John 15:1“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.[3] We can easily become proud in our lives, and in God’s mercy, He prunes us.
For those who are not believers, the Lord calls the proud to repent of their sins and come to Him. Those who refuse to repent will eventually find themselves separated from God in eternity. The Old Testament uses the term “the arm of God” to describe His strength and power. Mary’s picture of God’s strength is revealed to the world as He scatters the proud who have gained worldly power and position. Luke 1:52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. [4]
God Exalts the Humble
While the Lord opposes the proud, He gives grace to the humble. Those who are humble put others’ needs before their own, sacrificing for the love of others. As we do this, we look to obey God and submit to Him. Those who are humble, like Mary, find God’s favor. God extends His undeserved love to humble hearts who recognize the value of those around them and obey Him.
The grace of God begins when He calls us to faith, as only the humble see a need for a Savior for the forgiveness of sins. Mary was a humble servant who would give birth to a humble Savior who would pay the price for our sins to call us into His Kingdom.
Is the Lord calling you to humble yourself? Take the Lord’s hand and let Him lead you to the cross. It is there where you will find true life. To learn how God scatters the proud, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-speaks-in-worship
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.