Mary's song, of which this is a part (Luke 1:46-55), has inspired every Christian generation to rejoice in God’s grace.  It expresses an understanding about what really matters, because Mary knew what was important to God.  It is a song of contrasts: the Almighty God who lifts up His humble servants compared to the proud rulers whose power hangs by a thread in God’s hand.  Although we may applaud the best human achievements, they are all temporary, faulted and incomplete.  But God's powerful deeds are irresistible, history-making and of eternal significance (Psalm 73:28).  No human agency can ultimately defy His sovereignty (2 Samuel 22:28).  

God does things very differently than arrogant humanity could ever dream up (Isaiah 55:9).  While we operate short term, pretending that our wisdom is right and our power is sufficient, God always achieves His long-term holy objectives by His almighty power.  By human standards, Jesus should have been born in a palace to a wealthy ruler who dominated others.  But that was not God's way (Matthew 20:25-28).  The Son of God was born amongst animals, evacuated as a refugee and laboured as a craftsman - before fulfilling His purpose in a sacrificial crucifixion (Luke 9:22).  

Jesus said that those who wanted to follow Him must value that kind of lifestyle, crucifying self-interest on a daily basis (Luke 9:23-27).  Mary was willing for that because she humbly accepted God’s Word and was glad to be God’s humble servant (Luke 1:38).  She had never expected to have the honour of bearing God’s Son.  Her song rings out with joy, but her servant heart would also suffer great grief: Simeon's prophecy predicted that she would experience her own personal suffering when Jesus was put to death (Luke 2:35).  Being a servant of God often brings suffering, which God honours when it is willingly borne for His sake (Philippians 3:10).   

By contrast, people who refuse to be God’s servants will be self-serving.  They encourage self-assertion, glorifying themselves and others like them.  However, God will scatter them like the wind blowing away the fallen leaves.  The rulers of empires, countries, business and academia are only in their positions as long as God allows (Romans 13:1); but He will elevate the humble, because they can be trusted.  Those who are hungry for righteousness will find God's satisfaction (Luke 6:21), but the wealthy who are self-satisfied and oppress others find no place in God's kingdom (James 5:1-6).  So, if you are a true follower of Jesus, you are called to be radically different (Romans 12:1-2) so that you can serve God faithfully.  At the same time, encourage other believers to stay humble and serving.