“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.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”
This passage is a spontaneous song of praise and prophecy that Mary sang after Elizabeth confirmed what the angel had told her. Without Mary saying a word, her aunt knew she was pregnant and carrying the Messiah!
Even when it’s obvious that God is leading us in a particular direction, it’s easy to doubt that we heard Him correctly. God was kind to send Mary to Elizabeth and Zechariah who were also expecting a baby through miraculous means — a son who would grow up to be the final prophet announcing Jesus’ incarnation. Mary was no doubt relieved that she didn’t even have to tell Elizabeth or do any explaining — she just knew! No wonder she was filled with joy and sang!
Mary humbly acknowledges God’s mercy toward her, and then she prophecies of God’s mercy extending to the entire world. She recalls God’s faithfulness and His justice and looks forward to the fullness of it. She declares that in the coming Kingdom of our Lord Jesus all things will be made right. The proud will be humbled and the humble lifted. The hungry will be filled and those who hold on to earthly wealth sent away empty. All of God’s promises will be fulfilled in the one Mary is carrying — the one being knit together by His Father in her womb.
When we, like Mary, trust God and obey Him, we are given everything we need to do what He calls us to. Could it be that this song was just the beginning of the wisdom and knowledge that God would give Mary as she progressed in life? It says in the Bible that as events unfolded, she “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Because of her “Yes” to God, Mary overflows with joy. What a wonderful gift we receive when we obey.
QUESTION: Is there anything God has asked of you that you are putting off obeying? (If you are lacking joy, this could be the reason.)
PRAYER: Lord, help me obey You today. Remind me of the last thing You asked me to do that I have yet to say “Yes” to and help me do it now. I want the joy that Mary had. I want to know You more. Amen.
In partnership with AllMomDoes, CRISTA Senior Living exists to serve seniors in their twilight years, many of which are facing difficult financial times. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress ….” Will you say “Yes,” to God’s call by giving to the Good Samaritan Fund at CRISTA Senior Living today? Your gift of any amount will help a senior in financial need meet their monthly expenses.
