The Reversals of Fortune in Luke With Mary Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 680 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2

One of the most quintessentially Christian messages is related to the reversal of fortunes, to the exultation of the poor and the demotion of the rich and powerful. The story of Mary and her annunciation embodies the great reversal, which is as tangible and concrete as it is spiritual in nature. In Luke especially, the reversal provides meaningful instruction in how to prepare for God’s judgment. Luke describes the story of Mary and Elizabeth, especially with the “choice of Mary” as an “example of God’s preference for those who do not enjoy abundant prosperity,” (p. 463). However, these passages can be broadly misunderstood and misinterpreted. Luke is not suggesting necessarily that God actively scorns the wealthy. God’s mercy is boundless and infinite. What these passages about fortune reversals imply is that “in an unjust world, the form this universal love takes differs according to circumstance,” (p. 266). The wealthy and powerful need to undergo the transformational process of humility, just as the poor and disenfranchised need to experience the hope and glory of God. Mary’s story exemplifies the uplifting of the poor and powerless to a place of supreme exaltation. The story offers hope to the hopeless, which is why it is especially important for preaching and sermons.

In Luke’s theology, the point of the reversal is complex and multifaceted.

Stuck Writing Your "The Reversals of Fortune in Luke With Mary" Essay?

View All Our Example The Reversals of Fortune in Luke With Mary Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

The story of Mary’s annunciation and the reversals of fortune teach endless and timeless truths that can be worked into sermons related to numerous subjects, without isolating any members of the community. For the lowly to be exalted, it is not necessary to demean the powerful but only to show that power does not need to come at the expense of others. Moreover, the Old Testament virtue of righteousness inhabits the reversal of fortunes. Righteousness is not the province of either rich or poor; righteousness comes from total and absolute faith in God and compliance with God’s covenant. Given Mary’s exultation, humility is critical for righteousness. Mary defines herself as being “lowly,” and “not a metaphor for spiritual humility but based on her actual social position,” (p. 265). Lowly social positions, positions of oppression, pain, persecution, and despair will be reversed to empower those who are righteous and humble in the eyes of the Lord. Reversal of fortune is critical for fulfilling God’s promise to His people.

The story of Mary also reveals the power of paradox. Luke….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Reversals Of Fortune In Luke With Mary" (2017, November 15) Retrieved July 1, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/reversals-fortune-luke-mary-2166527

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Reversals Of Fortune In Luke With Mary" 15 November 2017. Web.1 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/reversals-fortune-luke-mary-2166527>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Reversals Of Fortune In Luke With Mary", 15 November 2017, Accessed.1 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/reversals-fortune-luke-mary-2166527
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example