From the "Magnificat", Luke 1:46-55
(Luk 1:46) And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
(Luk 1:47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
(Luk 1:48) For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
(Luk 1:49) For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
(Luk 1:50) And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
(Luk 1:51) He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(Luk 1:52) He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(Luk 1:53) He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
(Luk 1:54) He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
(Luk 1:55) As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
This title is from Luke 1:53, part of the "Magnificat", Mary's exaltation and magnification of the Lord which would soon be embodied in her immaculate conception of the Messiah. The word for rich in this verse means "wealthy", and is not open to interpretation. Why are the rich sent away empty-handed? Because they find their satisfaction in their gain and power, and are unable to submit humbly to the only One who could deliver them from their sins. Lest you think this is an exception in scripture, other passages convey the same message. (Luke 12:16-21, 16:19-25, 18:24-25, 1 Co. 1:26, James 2:6, 5:1-6, etc.)
It should be noted that we don't know upon whom judgment will fall. Some who seem wealthy are busy giving it away. It's rare, to be sure, but it does happen. It's those who take comfort in their wealth that are lost. It's those who could help the suffering around them but don't that sit in danger of the judgment. It's those who are more interested in being "good stewards" (that's church code for protecting your money) or "prudent" (we have billionaire George Bush Sr. to thank for bringing this word back in vogue). Jesus said a good steward was one who is willing to give everything away. That's right. Everything. Like the widow who gave her two mites. It wasn't the amount that brought her blessing, it was that she gave all she had. So should we.
In a nation where over 1 million students are homeless, there are plenty of opportunities for us to give at Christmas. Let's honor our Lord with action. Help the poor where you live. Even if it doesn't make any sense. Even if there is no tax write-off. Even better, if you have your own home, ask someone who is needy to dinner. Or take them out to eat. Do they need a warm place to stay? Provide it. Do something extravagant in the name of Jesus Christ this year. Lay up treasures in Heaven, as Jesus said (Matt. 6:19-20). And may the Lord of the poor richly bless you all.
(Luk 1:46) And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
(Luk 1:47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
(Luk 1:48) For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
(Luk 1:49) For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
(Luk 1:50) And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
(Luk 1:51) He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(Luk 1:52) He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(Luk 1:53) He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
(Luk 1:54) He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
(Luk 1:55) As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
This title is from Luke 1:53, part of the "Magnificat", Mary's exaltation and magnification of the Lord which would soon be embodied in her immaculate conception of the Messiah. The word for rich in this verse means "wealthy", and is not open to interpretation. Why are the rich sent away empty-handed? Because they find their satisfaction in their gain and power, and are unable to submit humbly to the only One who could deliver them from their sins. Lest you think this is an exception in scripture, other passages convey the same message. (Luke 12:16-21, 16:19-25, 18:24-25, 1 Co. 1:26, James 2:6, 5:1-6, etc.)
It should be noted that we don't know upon whom judgment will fall. Some who seem wealthy are busy giving it away. It's rare, to be sure, but it does happen. It's those who take comfort in their wealth that are lost. It's those who could help the suffering around them but don't that sit in danger of the judgment. It's those who are more interested in being "good stewards" (that's church code for protecting your money) or "prudent" (we have billionaire George Bush Sr. to thank for bringing this word back in vogue). Jesus said a good steward was one who is willing to give everything away. That's right. Everything. Like the widow who gave her two mites. It wasn't the amount that brought her blessing, it was that she gave all she had. So should we.
In a nation where over 1 million students are homeless, there are plenty of opportunities for us to give at Christmas. Let's honor our Lord with action. Help the poor where you live. Even if it doesn't make any sense. Even if there is no tax write-off. Even better, if you have your own home, ask someone who is needy to dinner. Or take them out to eat. Do they need a warm place to stay? Provide it. Do something extravagant in the name of Jesus Christ this year. Lay up treasures in Heaven, as Jesus said (Matt. 6:19-20). And may the Lord of the poor richly bless you all.
