IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

My Spirit Rejoices in God

Date: Jan. 23, 2023

Passage

Luke 1:39-56 (ESV)

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

46 And Mary said,

  “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48   for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49   for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50   And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51   He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52   he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53   he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54   He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55   as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:46-47

And Mary said,

  “My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Mary decided to visit her relative Elizabeth. Mary probably had many doubts and worries in her mind as she was on her way. Mary had simply obeyed God’s will for her. But at the same time, she must have felt that there was no one on earth who would empathize with her. She could not guess what Elizabeth’s reaction would be for her pregnancy.

But as she reached the door, Elizabeth loudly blessed Mary and said, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promise to her!” Mary was much encouraged and started to sing a hymn of joy. She sang, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” She saw God who was helping her through Elizabeth’s encouragement. Mary praised God for reassurance and for his work.

As we follow God’s leading in life, we sometimes face difficulties and doubts may arise. But God is there each step of the way, giving us reassurance. Mary was greatly encouraged by Elizabeth, and she sang a song of joy and praise.

May God continue to bless our journey of following him and may we sing a song of praise and joy to him.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help us to praise you and sing a song to you since you show us your love each step of our life.

One Word: One Word: My soul rejoices in God my Savior.

Daily Bread

Joseph is Put in Prison

Genesis 39:13-23

Key Verse: 39:23

The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.

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