Luke 1:46-56
Reading 2:
Luke 1:46-56
“46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home."
When I was in college, I began studying the Bible much more fervently. Having grown up in church I was accustomed to reading the Bible, but to be honest, my time spent reading the word was not very deep. After some gracious council from a former pastor I began to think and look at God’s Word with more clarity, logic, and intellect, and as a result I began to have a much greater hunger for His Word. I recall doing some historical research on the passage from today around the year, 2002. I learned that in Jewish culture, the events as recorded by the gospel authors surrounding Jesus’ birth were more significant than in my modern context. For example, an un-married “virgin” announcing she is pregnant was significant for a number of reasons, however, to think Mary is most likely a young teenager adds so much color to the snapshot given to us by the gospel authors.
Reading her song with this knowledge is a challenge for me and I hope is for you as well. This young girl knows God’s Word and her reaction to how God created her, his choice to use her, and his provision for her is inspiring. When I think about teenagers, obedience and general positivity when given a task is not my first thought. Why then does Mary respond in this way and how would I have responded? Luke makes it clear that she has been versed in God’s Word and when tasked by the Lord, within her is the Godly character to not only receive but to know how and whom to trust. I am so thankful a humble teenager was willing and obedient to carry Christ Jesus to term, provide for Him a safe and loving home, and give God the glory though it all.
I question what challenges are just ahead of me that I can’t see just yet. Mary’s song challenges me to spend time consistently with the Lord in His Word so that when challenges come, His Word in my mind and heart will guide and direct the choices I make.
