mighty in mercy

…for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

Luke 1:49-50

Mary’s song of praise at the end of Luke 1 is filled with appreciation for the work of God. It wasn’t just that she was amazed that God was bringing the Messiah into the world miraculously through her, but she knows God is doing a great new work that will change Israel and the world forever. Her praise is all about what only God can do.

The first two things on her list of praises are ways in which she has personally come to believe the extent of God’s work in the coming Messiah she was privileged to deliver into the world. First, she is impressed with God’s mighty, holy power. The fact that a child is conceived in her, still a virgin herself, by the power of the Holy Spirit moves her to contemplate the might of God. In holiness and power, a Messiah would come into the world. And she is blessed to be part of the great things a holy God is going to do, by His Holy Spirit, with His holy Son.

Secondly, Mary sees the mercy of God coming in the Messiah. God, rich in mercy, was saving His people. This mercy would have generational impact. Indeed, two millennia after Mary first praised God for this merciful Messiah, generations of Christians have worshiped Jesus. And even today I am in awe of the mercy Jesus has showered upon me. I am able to fear God, love my Lord and Savior, and find mercy, although I am a sinner, because of Jesus Who is both mighty and merciful.