Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:46-55, 68-79
Luke 1 records two songs—one sung by Mary and the other sung by Zechariah. Notice when the songs were sung. Mary burst forth with her praise before the babies were born. Zechariah didn’t (couldn’t) sing until after the birth of John. It’s one thing to thank the Lord after the fact. But, it’s quite another to praise Him before we see the evidence of His work.
The Old Testament gives two excellent examples of this. In Exodus 15 we read how the Israelites safely crossed the Red Sea as the Egyptians pursued them. When they safely reached the other side, Miriam led the women in a song and dance, declaring “Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.” Notice they sang after God rescued them.
In 2 Chronicles 20:21 we read how King Jehoshaphat was headed out to war, but he appointed men to sing about the splendor of God’s holiness before they experienced the victory. Their rejoicing was based simply on a yet-to-be-fulfilled promise of God.
By the way, they won the war.
- When do you praise the Lord for His work—before or after the fact? What would it do to your faith if you thanked Him BEFORE He answered?
- What promise from God are you waiting to see fulfilled? Put your praise in the form of a song and sing to the Lord today.