Luke 1:50-56  Those who honour the Son will eventually be vindicated and exalted

Luke 1:50-56  Those who honour the Son will eventually be vindicated and exalted

46 And Mary said:
…
50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
56 And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

Background

Mary’s recital prophesied of Jesus’s role in the world which is to establish God’s righteous rule and blessing for humanity. For this purpose, Jesus was exalted to God’s righthand and given authority over all things. Therefore, by virtue of Jesus’s authority, we must honour Him as we honour the Father. By honouring Him, we seek out His directives and obey them regardless of the circumstances. Today’s devotion teaches us: Those who honour the Son will eventually be vindicated and exalted.

Observation

And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him.

Mary turned her focus towards God’s righteous rule over humanity. It is through Christ that all creation is restored under God’s dominion. And those who submit themselves to Christ’s rule (those who fear Him) will receive favour and enter His kingdom. Here, Mary’s prophecy describes the characteristics of Christ’s rule.

Firstly, the Son shows steadfast mercy to those who fear Him. To show mercy is to grant divine favour. However, the fear of God is to be distinguished from the fear of retribution. Those who fear God obey His directives and trust Him unreservedly. For such, He elevates them with favour and removes divine retribution from them.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm…

Secondly, the Son is righteous and decisive in executing judgment over those who are haughty and rebellious. He scatters and topples the proud from lofty places while exalting the humble. Indeed, no man no matter how powerful and influential he may be can stand before the Son of God.

He has filled the hungry with good things…

Thirdly, the Son is not given to human biases but is righteous and impartial in judging the motives of the heart. In this world, the poor are often disdained and trampled upon while the rich enjoy ubiquitous favour. But, when the Son rules, He is merciful to the humble and executes justice for all regardless of their social status.

He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy

In conclusion, Mary sings of God’s covenantal faithfulness towards Israel and the patriarchs. This divine providence of mercy is directed to those who are participants of the Abrahamic covenant through faith. Indeed, it is through the righteous rule of Christ that all the families of the earth will be blessed.

Truth

Those who honour the Son will eventually be vindicated and exalted.

Why must the Son be accorded with the highest honour?

The resurrection of Jesus exalted Him to the Father’s right hand, making Him Lord over all creation. God glorified Jesus because He obeyed God and sacrificed His life for the sake of humanity. Thus, Jesus was given authority to judge and over all the affairs of man. The Father, in giving all judgment to the Son, no longer judges. To judge is to exercise authority over his subjects. Thus, Jesus, the omnipotent God is actively discharging His authority in the world today. Therefore, by virtue of this supreme authority, humanity must accord Jesus with the same honour as we accord the Father.

What does it mean to honour the Son? 

To honour the Son is to listen, and obey everything that He says. Luke 9:35 accounts God speaking out of the cloud commanding all to obey the words of the Son,

Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” – Luke 9:35

Many in the church today do not want to listen to what Jesus has to say to them. Their ministers did not teach them to practise self-reflection, or to know God’s directives and obey them on a daily basis. Instead, their members are encouraged to summon God at their time of need to fulfill their desires. Their prayers are populated with personal concerns as opposed to the agenda of the kingdom. Such churches operate ostensibly from the vision of the Great Commission, but they have set their minds on the interests of men, not the interests of God. Indeed, one who honours God perseveres on the ways of God regardless of circumstances. And their faith will be tested through suffering. Jesus rebuked Peter when he tried to dissuade Him from the path of suffering,

Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” – Matthew 16:21-23

Those who honour the Son must exercise patience.

That said, those who honours Jesus will be vindicated and exalted for their faithfulness. To honour God is to fear Him. The bible speaks about the blessings that come upon those who fear Him:

God gives them families of their own – And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Exodus 1:21

God grants wisdom for unsolvable problems – Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. Psalm 25:12

God separates them from the rest and gives them special treatment – The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. Psalm 25:14

God sets them apart from the rest and gives them a special portion – How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19

God gives them greater authority over the angels – The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7

They never experience a moment of lack, for God sees to their abundance – Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. Psalm 34:9

God fulfills their desires – He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19

God grants them divine wisdom – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

God grants longevity in health and enduring prosperity – The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. Proverbs 10:27

God secures their children for safety and prosperity – Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26

They will avoid sudden downfall because of sin – Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. Proverbs 16:6

Their lives will be untouched by trouble – The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 29:23

God grants riches, honour and life – Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

Therefore, believers must exercise patience especially during dire circumstances believing that the Son will vindicate in good time.

Application

Are there false beliefs in your life that sustains your lukewarm attitude towards God? Are there grey areas and idols that keep you from honouring God? God calls you this Christmas season to love Him and fear Him wholeheartedly. And because the love and fear of God is expressed in the believer’s hunger for His word and for His directives: Renew your commitment in meditating on the word. Make it a habit to listen to His voice and know His plans on a daily basis.

Dear Lord, forgive me for not submitting to your rule wholeheartedly. I am committed to deal with the sins and distractions that have kept me from experiencing your covenantal blessings. Regenerate my attitudes and I will enter the new year assured of greater miracles and breakthroughs for my church, family and career. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.