Day 127: Luke 1:46–55

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy (v. 49).

Mary’s wonderful words from her Magnificat offer us an opportunity to catch a glimpse of several facts about her:

Her excitement. Mary had probably been too scared to celebrate before, but Elizabeth’s confirmation of God’s miraculous work set her free! How do I know? Behold verse 47: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” The original word for “rejoices” is agalliao, meaning “to exult, leap for joy, to show one’s joy by leaping and skipping denoting excessive or ecstatic joy and delight. Often spoken of rejoicing with song and dance.” Whether or not young Mary began physically jumping up and down with joy and excitement, her insides certainly did! I am totally blessed by the thought. Nothing is more appropriate than getting excited when God does something in our lives. I think He loves it!

Her love of Scripture. Mary’s song reflects twelve different Old Testament passages. She didn’t just hear the Word; she held it to her heart and pondered it. Scripture draws a picture of a reflective young woman with an unusual heart for God. A young Hebrew girl believed nothing to be as important as motherhood. I believe she must have recalled a favorite Old Testament story when she received the news. Mary sang praises to God just as Hannah had done over the birth of Samuel.

Her humility. Her statement that “all generations will call me blessed” (v. 48) was not voiced in pride but from shock. Mary reminds me of David, who said: “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? . . . Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord?” (2 Sam. 7:18–19). In a way, the answer to his question is yes. God seems to love little more than stunning the humble with His awesome intervention.

Her experience. Please don’t lose the wonder of it. Marvel with me at the fact that she was plain, simple, and extraordinarily ordinary. I always felt the same way growing up. Still do, deep down inside. That’s part of the beauty of God choosing someone like you and me to know Him and serve Him. May we never get over it.