“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…”
Mary had heard various people’s words of praise to God for personal way God’s grace has worked in their lives. I am sure that a number of Jewish girls dreamed of someday being the mother of the son who would be the very one to lead the nation of Israel into the promised kingdom established by God. Mary knew it was not through any special merit on her part that she was chosen, but God also knew her heart was right. She desired to serve the Lord and was willing to follow His will for her life.
Some of you who have experienced healings or other acts of divine favor. You realized God’s hand was on your situation. Yet technically a miracle is an extra-ordinary event that does not follow natural laws, like raising the dead or walking on water or healing blindness or following a star. God does remarkable things also using natural methods as well. He is not hindered by natural law, nor is He excluded from using those laws.
She was the recipient of not only one of the greatest miracles, (a virgin conceives), but the miracle of who this baby is - God come in flesh to the world. The greatest joy is the joy of realizing that we have been so blessed beyond what we deserve.
The one who feels that God should be good to him is not nearly as joyful and grateful as the one who realizes he is a sinner and there is no reason why God should bestow His love him or be good to him or give him food, health, shelter and so much more.
Mary, even though she is an example of godly life, calls herself a willing handmaiden. Elizabeth has given her praise, but notice Mary turns it to the Lord as the one who deserves praise.
This is God’s story, no one else. He did it out of love to redeem the world, conquer Satan, and overcome evil. Why should God pick a Moses, or an Abraham, or an Elizabeth, or a Mary? Why should God so choose the 12 disciples He did? Or why pick the persecutor Saul, who later was to be known as Paul?
Mary expressed her feeling and faith with expressions of joy. “My soul does magnify the Lord”, she begins, “ for He has done marvelous things for me.” What a testimony!
Application: When you think of this Christmas message of personal praise, ask yourself, “Who am I that God should choose me to reveal Himself as my savior and my Lord for all eternity? Why should He come to die for my sins and treat me so specially?”
Prayer: 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….for the Mighty One has done great things for me— Holy is His Name…”
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