When thinking about the account of Jesus' birth, I always think about the angel coming to Mary, Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, the birth that took place in a stable, and the visit from the wisemen. But there are other lessons to be learned from this story, as well. An important aspect, I think, is to consider the woman whom God chose to be the vessel that brought Christ into this world. So on Friday night, while reading, my focus was drawn to "Mary's Song", which depicts what Mary said to Elizabeth after she was told she would give birth to Jesus.
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.
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.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as He said to our fathers."
Luke 1: 46-55, NIV.
"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.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as He said to our fathers."
Luke 1: 46-55, NIV.
Other than her first conversation with the angel, this is really the only place during the account of Jesus' birth that we get hear Mary's voice. I am astounded by her words in this passage. Mary was in a position where she had to carry out what might be seen as one of the most important tasks in history ... and one that would not have been easy or without consequences to her physical body, her future, her reputation, and her relationships.
Instead, Mary is seen glorifying and praising God for the great things He had done for her. Amazing, isn't it?
Yet, there is no WHY ME?
There is no ARE YOU SURE I CAN DO THIS?
There is no I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS.
There is no ARE YOU SURE I CAN DO THIS?
There is no I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS.
Instead, Mary is seen glorifying and praising God for the great things He had done for her. Amazing, isn't it?
8 comments:
So beautiful! I had never taken that excerpt out and read it alone, either. Thanks for sharing it with us! :)
amazing is right. I love how God's Word is alive.
We have been reading the book of Luke all this month with the girls' before bed. Surprisingly we had this same conversation. It was Taylor who said to me, "Don't you think Mary was scared?" "Wasn't she afraid Elizabeth would think she was crazy?" Out of the mouths of babes, huh?!
Thank you for this post, L.
XO*T
I find Mary so inspiring in the Book of Luke. She gives me such hope in trusting the Lord.
So beautiful. Her strength is so inspiring. How much we complain about the small tasks God gives us and look at how amazingly she handled the biggest task ever.
I guess that's why she was chosen - because most of us couldn't have been so gracious!
Thanks for sharing :) Amazing!
Love this! I had never thought about her not asking those questions before...and boy would I have! How wonderful!
Thanks for posting :)
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