The Great Reversal

In Mary’s Magnificat, or “Song of Praise’ (Luke 1:46-56), Luke introduces the theme often called God’s Great Reversal, or Great Inversion. The high are brought low so that the low might be made high. It’s a powerful theme. Luke presents it as God’s “new thing,” proclaimed in Isaiah 43:19.

The Great Reversal is probably THE most difficult theme for me surrounding Christmas for two reasons. First is the lingering question, “What if I am amongst ‘the high’ who are brought low?” After all, Americans’ standard of living exceeds that of most of the world, and I am no exception here. I am ‘richer’ financially than millions across the globe. What responsibility does this give me in God’s eyes to be part of His “new thing?”

But the second reason The Great Reversal is so difficult for me is that it often seems so difficult to see the truth of it. What Great Reversal? The rich seem to get richer, the powerful seem to get more powerful – often seen in “merger mania” across corporate America (I write this as Rupert Murdoch’s purchase of Dow Jones is again in the news!). Is there a Great Reversal that began with the birth of Christ? Where do I look to see it?

I plan to dedicate this blog over the next several days to quotes from various writers who, in one way or another, speak to the theme of The Great Reversal. (Thanks to Teresa Rossy for posting my blog each day. I am away at Wesley Choir Camp with 142 kids this week! Pray for us!)