DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Mary and Hannah
By Elaine Pierce
I think Mary knew Hannah's song, don't you? (Take a look at Luke 1:46-55). Both women focused their praise on God- his character, his holiness, and his faithfulness to keep his promises. One - Hannah - had prayed desperately for a child, and she vowed that her child, if she was able to conceive, would serve God from a young age. Mary, on the other hand, was a young woman (most scholars think she was a teenage girl) who found herself miraculously pregnant by the Holy Spirit! But each recognized God's goodness and his plan for their lives.
Hannah notes that outward wealth is not necessarily a sign of God's favor:
He sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor (I Samuel 2:7-8).
Mary notes similar things about God's attitude toward wealth and poverty:
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty (Luke 1:52-53).
Both Mary and Hannah were steeped in scripture, but neither of them were considered important or likely to be remembered after they were gone. And yet, today we know both of them well, and we honor their legacy and their faithful witness. Yes, God uses ordinary, flawed people. People just like you and me. He has a job for you, he has a job for me. Ask him to show you each day how you can serve him. Spend time, like Hannah, like Mary, in his word, and he will surely speak to you.
PRAYER
Lord, you use unlikely people to do your work. I so often choose my own way rather than spending time with you in prayer, reflection and meditation. Help me each day to listen, to obey and to serve you. Thank you for Hannah and Mary - two unlikely women who were obedient to your calling. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Comentarios