Mary's Song

Luke 1: 46-55 is often referred to as Mary’s song, but in my mind, I think of this more as Mary’s prayer.  Can you imagine a thought, a prayer, a song that captures the turning point of your life and having it recorded in such a public way?  Yet, the Christian community is at its strongest when at its most transparent.  These words are a very transparent view to Mary’s heart at this time when she has been specially called and swept into life, world, and eternity changing events. 

   "My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”
In the turmoil, I often struggle in putting praise first.  I have had to very consciously decide to praise, especially when I don’t feel like it.  Through most likely bouts of morning sickness, physical changes, a visit to relatives and imagining what other people are thinking (especially Joseph) – Mary’s prayer starts with praise.

“…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.”

Before you assume that this is some sort of false modesty or fake humility – please read the entire phrase.  Mary has been told that she is favored by God, from a very reliable source!  Notice that Mary also makes a very mindful and intentional resolve.  She does not claim the credit for her own sake; instead Mary is giving the praise back to God.  I think Mary must have been something like a mirror.  God chose to shine on her, and she reflected back His light and praise to Him. 

It’s so easy to let my own pride take over and then I am not a good mirror.  Instead of reflecting, I lose focus and distort what shines on me.  I love Mary’s humble heart. 

“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. “

Mary was about to have a baby that was not socially acceptable, it was not Joseph’s child – and yet this phrase sprang forth.  I wonder what Mary’s parents were like; did she learn this attitude from watching them?  Joseph was also going to be giving his family name to this child of God, I’m sure Mary was aware of the prophesies unfolding before her very eyes.  Joseph was from the family of David, and there was a promise that came with that family name – that was carried from generation to generation of a savior. 

“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.” 

Back to that humble heart, Mary must have had an attitude which pleased God.  I love how Mary had a humble heart and yet seems to have also possessed a great sense of strength and truth.  I think we often take words like humble and gentle and twist them into meaning week and walked on.  But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Mary is choosing to rely on God’s strength and protection, keeping her and this child safe and provided for.  These words are also a bit prophetic considering the trials that are to come (but I don’t want to get ahead of myself).

“He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.”

 To have money is not a bad thing; it is the love of money that is so dangerous.  It dangerously supplants a need for God in our lives.  Those who are hungry for God, are ready to seek, ready to listen, ready to act, and ready to obey.  It can be so hard to be ready, noises and distractions can become our currency and what leaves us empty. 

 ^“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,
      even as he said to our fathers."

The promise of a Messiah is one that has been through forty two generations and now has arrived.  Forty two generations!  Can you imagine how this promise has been passed down with hope and anticipation by some, by complacency and a sort of lasses faire attitude by others? Yet, this reminder was enough to stir mercy in God, a reminder of a promise from the God who never breaks promises.

Mary does indeed have a beautiful heart, one that reflects God beautifully and in turn displays the humble, strong, and disciplined choices in her life.  If your own family carried a legacy over forty two generations, what would it be?  If you could start a family legacy now that would carry even four generations, what would that be?