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- Apr 25, 2006
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22 December 2007
Word on the Web
Luke 1: 51-56
He has done mighty deeds by his power.
He has scattered the people who are proud
and think great things about themselves.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
and raised up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with nothing.
He has helped his servant, the people of Israel,
remembering to show them mercy
as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his children forever. "
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Yesterday we began looking at The Magnificat and how Mary begins her poem by focussing on who God is. Now she moves on to what God has done. Make a list of all of these things - interesting aren't they! The world works in a very different the way from how God does. The way of the world is to promote those who think highly of themselves; the proud, the arrogant and the rich. The way of God is to raise up the humble and the poor - the overlooked and those looked down on. Why is it that God has such a different attitude from much of society? One of the reasons is that the proud, the arrogant and the rich tend not to be particularly God-fearing, they have it all and are happy with their lot and so God is ignored or treated with contempt. The proud exalt themselves and in the process oppress others; the wealthy richly feed/clothe/house themselves and in the process can deny the basics of life to others; the arrogant big themselves up and in the process belittle others.
The salvation that Mary envisages here is not expressed in spiritual terms, but in socio-political terms - as rescue and freedom from poverty and oppression - as is often the case in the writing of the Old Testament.
Church Army is committed to sharing faith through both words and actions. How might you similarly develop a more holistic view of salvation? Take time today to think about what this might mean personally. Are there organisations you could get involved with that seek to bring about positive social changes, living the Gospel as well as telling the Gospel? If you haven't bought your Christmas presents yet (!) - why not give gifts that can help others e.g. by sending a cow to Africa.
Read the following prayer and if you can, pray it. If you are not able to own these words for yourself then pray for those who are involved in issues of social justice and social change.
Lord, at this time of plenty and celebration help me to be mindful of those who on a daily basis live with hunger and fear. Please guide me to places where I can make a difference by not only speaking of the good news of Jesus Christ, but also by living that good news. May I, and all Christian people, always seek to bring about positive changes in the lives of those who are oppressed, overlooked or despised. For the sake of your Son who gave His life for all people. Amen
Written by Christine Gore
Word on the Web
Luke 1: 51-56
He has done mighty deeds by his power.
He has scattered the people who are proud
and think great things about themselves.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
and raised up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with nothing.
He has helped his servant, the people of Israel,
remembering to show them mercy
as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his children forever. "
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Yesterday we began looking at The Magnificat and how Mary begins her poem by focussing on who God is. Now she moves on to what God has done. Make a list of all of these things - interesting aren't they! The world works in a very different the way from how God does. The way of the world is to promote those who think highly of themselves; the proud, the arrogant and the rich. The way of God is to raise up the humble and the poor - the overlooked and those looked down on. Why is it that God has such a different attitude from much of society? One of the reasons is that the proud, the arrogant and the rich tend not to be particularly God-fearing, they have it all and are happy with their lot and so God is ignored or treated with contempt. The proud exalt themselves and in the process oppress others; the wealthy richly feed/clothe/house themselves and in the process can deny the basics of life to others; the arrogant big themselves up and in the process belittle others.
The salvation that Mary envisages here is not expressed in spiritual terms, but in socio-political terms - as rescue and freedom from poverty and oppression - as is often the case in the writing of the Old Testament.
Church Army is committed to sharing faith through both words and actions. How might you similarly develop a more holistic view of salvation? Take time today to think about what this might mean personally. Are there organisations you could get involved with that seek to bring about positive social changes, living the Gospel as well as telling the Gospel? If you haven't bought your Christmas presents yet (!) - why not give gifts that can help others e.g. by sending a cow to Africa.
Read the following prayer and if you can, pray it. If you are not able to own these words for yourself then pray for those who are involved in issues of social justice and social change.
Lord, at this time of plenty and celebration help me to be mindful of those who on a daily basis live with hunger and fear. Please guide me to places where I can make a difference by not only speaking of the good news of Jesus Christ, but also by living that good news. May I, and all Christian people, always seek to bring about positive changes in the lives of those who are oppressed, overlooked or despised. For the sake of your Son who gave His life for all people. Amen
Written by Christine Gore
