Imagine for a moment that somebody does something really nice for you. What do you say? What do you do? Hopefully we at least say thank you, and maybe we even send them a card or do something to show our appreciation. Now imagine that somebody does something so amazing and so transformative for you and for your life that words and the polite gesture of sending a card do not even come close to expressing how blessed, how honored, and how thankful you truly are.
In Luke 1:26-34 an angel appears to a young virgin girl named Mary and informs her that she is going to have a child and call His name Jesus. He tells her that her son will reign over a kingdom that will never end. This shocks and confuses Mary for she was a virgin and had never been with a man. The angel informs her in Luke 1:35 that the son that she was to have was from God. She was going to give birth to the Son of God. After hearing about her relative, Elizabeth, also being with child, Mary speaks again to the angel and says in verse 38, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Nothing was impossible with God and Mary was faithfully ready to serve the Lord.
In Luke 1:39-45 Mary travels to visit Elizabeth. When Mary enters the room the baby in Elizabeth’s womb lept for joy and “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit”. Elizabeth then spoke to Mary about this great blessing, for Elizabeth knew that Mary was going to give birth to the Lord. At this point Mary responds in a marvelous way. In fact, her response is often referred as the Song of Mary and was used to inspire the song “Magnificat” that is sung today. Mary’s response begins in verses 46-47 by saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”. Mary knew how blessed she was and she responded by magnifying the Lord.
Like Mary, we are a blessed people. God loved us so much that He sent us His Son, John 3:16. Jesus is a blessing for all generations. Those that hear His Word and obey are made into His blessed people. As His blessed people, who are we magnifying? Who are we rejoicing in? God alone deserves our praise and adoration. Our joy is in the Lord. May we live each day to magnify the Lord and continue to offer Him our humble and thankful praise.
Derek Broome