singing praise

Good morning friends,
At our cafe on Saturday a week ago one woman said she would like to come to church but needs a ride. She lives near Laurelton in the Merchants/Winton area. If you'd be willing to pick her up this Sunday or another Sunday, please let me know by phone or email.

We've been following the story of Hannah and her prayer for a son. As she promised, when God granted her a son she brought him to the sanctuary at Shiloh to serve God under Eli the priest. Our passage for today is Hannah's song of praise to God. Many scholars believe Mary's song of praise in Luke 1 was influenced by Hannah's song. We see similar themes like God favoring the poor and bringing down the proud. What does Hannah's song teach us about God's justice?

God bless,
Sam

1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. ²“There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. ³Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. ⁴The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. ⁵Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.

⁶The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. ⁷The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. ⁸He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. ⁹“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. ¹⁰The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed.”

Magnificat

Good morning friends,
Soon after Mary heard the angel's message about her calling to be the mother of Jesus, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. She was probably hoping for some wisdom and support from this older woman who was also a part of God's amazing plan. When she got there Elizabeth heard Mary's voice and felt her own baby jump for joy. She praised God for the wonderful thing God was doing.

Mary responds with praise of her own. This passage is sometimes known as the song of Mary because it is beautifully poetic. It is also called the Magnificat because in Latin that is the first word Mary says (it means magnify or praise). Mary's words of praise are a beautiful expression of God's love for the oppressed and desire to bring justice to the world. This is a passage that rewards rereading because of its beauty and because it crystallizes how God's love in Jesus turns the world upside down.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 1: 46-55

46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the LORD, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."