Deeper Reflection
LUKE’S INFANCY NARRATIVE FOCUSES ON THE INTERTWINING
destinies of Jesus and John the Baptist. The stories of their births are
extended into three hymns of praise in Mary’s “Magnificat”, Zechariah’s
“Benedictus” and Simeon’s “Nunc Dimittis”. These songs focus on
the hope of Israel’s restoration, the joy of eschatological salvation and
identification of Jesus as the promised Davidic Messianic-Saviour. Mary’s
song is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, an expression of trust in
God. These three songs in Luke’s infancy narratives are full of theology,
instructing us on the nature of God and what he has done (e.g., God is
Saviour, compassionate, mighty and holy).What about us? Do we have songs that are theologically rich and
shape the fabric of our devotional life? Do we have songs that inform
us about God’s character and serve to anchor our lives in good times
and in challenging times? Reverend Dr David Wong, veteran pastor and
respected author and leader in church circles in Singapore, recently
shared with a group of pastors that he has a song each year to anchor his
life and ministry. This is a wonderful practice as it serves as a compass
for God’s guidance and provides comfort and encouragement in times
when God’s grace is needed the most. What about you? Do you have
some special Scripture or a song or two that mark your life as milestones
of God’s grace and goodness? Begin to ask God for these Scriptural texts
(that we can memorise) and songs (that we may regularly sing) to mark
your life.
