Bible Study Passage:Luke 1:39-56
excerpt
46And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”
Oh, what beautiful words these are! I was so blessed several Christmastimes a go to be allowed to sing these words of our Lord’s mother in our church musical.
I’m so glad that Luke asked Mary what she said — these words were penned over 30 years later!
Oh, how many years Mary must have sung this song over and over to remember it so clearly!
As Jesus grew — it was easy,
“Oh, my soul magnifies the Lord…
For He who is mighty has done great things for me…“
As Jesus began his ministry,
“my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior!“
As he disappeared for forty days and no one knew where or if he lived?
As she called for Jesus to come out for a visit and Jesus replied that his family “is those who do the will of God?”
As she heard how many people hated her son!
As she heard that many wanted to kill Him.
As his own brother’s and sisters refused to believe Him.
As he foretold his death –
the only way surely that He would or could die — since He was God.
As she saw the torment on his face as He wrestled with Calvary’s imminence.
As he was tried
and
over
falsely accused and answering not.
and spit upon — glass, thorns and whips ripping his flesh
finally
so weak
he had
to be
helped
up the hill
where he
was to
die!
As his
wrists
and
ankles
were
nailed
to a wooden tree —
in pain and anguish – physically and spiritually
She was not getting to wash his wounds, hold him, or take him away from all of the shouting!
Did her soul “magnify the Lord?“
Did she feel like God had “done great things for me?”
Jesus was Lord God of the universe – but He was also her physical son. As a mother – we want to protect our children – keep them safe – shelter them from evil. The pain of her heart must have been unbearable!
Remember this, God’s greatest callings often coincide with the greatest of sacrifice. Mary’s song means more not because she sang it once – but because she repeated it over and over in good times and bad!
Surely she sat in the dark corner of a house one Sabbath night after seeing the worst sight of her life and – rocking back and forth – sang this song, reminding herself of a day when this all began – partially longing for that day but also relieved that the act, the covering, the sacrifice of Her baby boy was done.
Nothing was left now
but to see Him again — whole, complete, and glorified – not in pain and anguish.
She knew better was ahead –
but it didn’t make what she felt any easier!
If we look back into verse 45 we see Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin was filled with the Holy Spirit and said
“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.“
Faith – Trust in God – Childlike Faith
When God looked at Mary to choose her, it seems faith was the outstanding quality that is mentioned over and over. Not beauty. Certainly not wealth. (She was broke!) Not physical stamina. Not a positive mental attitude. Faith!
“For with faith as the grain of a mustard seed...” Faith is that which believes in things not seen – if you can see it it is not faith.
For without faith, Mary would have stopped singing her song and would have forgotten the song! She would have cast off this song with anger and refused to utter it again. Yet she sang it! In good times and bad! She sang this song!
What a testimony of faith for us!
By Faith
Take time to read the Faith Chapter
Lord, I get so excited sometimes and it is easy to pray prayers of thanksgiving. Forgive me when I hit problems and begin to question your love. Forgive my lack of faith and help me to be stronger. I believe in You with all of my heart and acknowledge that you are my Savior. Reveal to me what you will have me do. Bring me to those who need you. Let me be Jesus to a lost and dying world of angry people. Let me rely on you when I do not understand. I love you, Jesus! Let your kingdom come! My soul magnifies You today!