DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 21, 2013
HURRAH FOR MISS ISRAEL
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Luke 1:48
In Luke 1:48, we see Mary, the Mother of Jesus, rejoicing in that she was chosen by God. She rejoices like one who has won a beauty pageant; she can hardly believe that God chose her... of all people: "He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden." This is how God works. He sits high, but he looks low. Isaiah 57:15 describes God as the "high and lofty one" who dwells with the humble: "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Today, we celebrate the crowning of Miss Israel, Yityish Aynaw. An Ethiopian Jew, she is the first woman of color to hold the title of "Miss Israel." She came to Israel when she was twelve years of age and is an orphan. But today, she holds great responsibility in communicating the diversity, complexity, and potential of her great country--Israel. Our prayers are for her and with her. May God's hand hold her and may His face shine upon her. And our prayers are with the people of Israel, and especially with the struggle of the Ethiopian Jews. May they be regarded, and respected and known. Hurrah for Miss Israel--2013!
