Mary's Song of Praise

Chuckle:  City slicker: “I finally went for a ride this morning.” Ranch hand: “Horseback?” City slicker: “Yep, he got back about an hour before I did.”

Quote: "Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable." --Frances Bacon

 

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name" (Luke 1:46-49 NIV).

During Mary's visit with Elizabeth, Elizabeth said to her: "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said" (vs. 45). Mary's song of praise and wonderment (vv. 46-56) has served as inspiration for many pieces of choral music and hymns. I hope you will read her entire song in which she glorified God because of what he was going to do for the world through her.

Have you ever prayerfully thought about what God wants to do through you? Every believer has been gifted by God for specific ministry. In humility and gratitude, we should use the gift(s) for the good of others and to glorify God. Mary's song pictures God as the champion of the poor, the sick, the oppressed, and the despised. Do you sense God's leadership to be Jesus' co-worker in ministering to the needs of such people in your community?

Do you think Mary was being proud and arrogant when she said, "And now generation after generation will call me blessed?" (vs. 48); or, was she humbly recognizing and accepting the wonderful and supernatural gift God had given her? If Mary had denied the amazing position in which God had placed her, she would, in essence, be throwing God's incredible blessing back at Him with ingratitude. Perhaps you are experiencing a special call of God upon your life. If so, praise him for his unique blessing and serve him faithfully in the power of the Holy Spirit with great humility and thanksgiving.

Mary sang praise to God as her Savior. She fully recognized the redemptive nature of God himself. He not only would send a Savior -- Jesus, who would be born of her through the miracle of virgin birth -- but God himself was Her Savior. She praised God for his faithfulness in his promises (covenants) with Abraham and Israel. Mary spoke prophetically through her song of the blessings under the reign of her Son. The poor will be lifted up, and the hungry will be satisfied with good things. Jesus lived out and modeled this type of ministry.

Like Mary, we have every reason to rejoice this Christmas for the miraculous birth of Jesus who in turn has given us the gift of life without end. Praise!

Love, Jerry & Dotse