The Song of Mary

“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

Mary was a young woman who feared the Lord. When told the seemingly impossible news that she would have a baby who would be called  "Son of the Most High" even though she was a virgin she said, “I am the Lord’s servant,” ... “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1: 38. She said this despite knowing that as an unwed mother she would face great difficulties including condemnation by society and probable desertion by her fiancee. The fate of a woman thought to have committed adultery was truly dire in those days. Even if she was not stoned, how would she maintain herself? But in obedience and trust, she submitted her will to God.

She accepted the challenging responsibility to be the mother of Christ as a great gift to her.  In her great joy she sang a song of Praise to God, whom she recognized as the Saviour she needed. She recognized that God does not care about our worldly status: all that matters to him is being obedient servants.

Mary recognized that we should only boast of what God has done in our lives, and not take pride our own accomplishments. She dwelt on God's promises to the children of Israel; what He would do for many generations in the world through her, as He was a champion for the oppressed, despised and humble. "But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD". Jeremiah 9:24 

Mary's song, the Magnificat is found in Luke 1:46-55.

Do you have a song of praise in your heart? All of us have great gifts from the Lord including the offer of salvation. What have you been given? Are you using your talents, your skills and all your resources to serve God and magnify his name? You should not take personal credit in God’s blessings but recognize them as his favor, through his gracious mercy. Always remember to be humbly thankful and to submit to God’s will in your life.

Even when challenging times come, we still need to praise God for who He is, and all what He has promised. For just as what was promised to Mary came to pass, all the other promises of God regarding our lives will come to pass.

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"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say "thank you?". William A. Ward

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