“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” Luke 1:46-47
Away from her home… clear in her calling but engulfed in the unknown of logistics… This is the stage for Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55.
Everything with Mary’s words center on worship – an outpouring of praise. But it isn’t just the Sunday morning worship songs we tend to think of.
First, Mary’s worship comes with risk and cost. Her song isn’t after a fluffy, spiritual high that’s exclusively self-serving. Nothing about Mary’s worship is about her: it’s all to the glory of God. She has the full recognition that her obedience will probably require incredible faith and potential cost. At this point in the true Story, she doesn’t know the ending. She has had to accept that she will likely be unbelieved as she shares the miracle of her child’s conception. Her engagement may end and she could be publicly shamed and disgraced with significant societal cost. And yet, she obeys and worships.
Additionally, Mary’s worship is surrounded in surrender. After being told the shocking news for how God will enter into the mess and redeem His people, Mary’s response isn’t to scoff. She doesn’t laugh at seemingly impossible news. She doesn’t balk at its implications. She fully grasps what this obedience will require, and she submits. The Message paraphrase puts Mary’s response to the angel this way: “Yes, I see it now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” She obeys and worships.
Finally, Mary’s worship is joyful. As Scripture records her words with Elizabeth at the end of chapter one, Mary’s worship is filled with praising the greatness of our God. She recognizes His saving grace. She sings of His might. She remembers His mighty deeds. She reflects on His compassion. She sees His help. She acknowledges His steadfastness. In her song, she obeys and worships.
When the temptation is to become preoccupied with our own ability and might,
When the holiday season seems to take over our calendars with the all-good, but too many things,
When it’s easy to give into the frustration of a weary world that’s divisive and broken,
Mary’s obedience reminds us that obedience to our Redeemer God means full, all-in, fully in-love, and fully committed worship. It means we don’t just obey when it’s convenient or in part, but, despite risk, we surrender and sing.
Take time to read through Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55 this week. Then reflect on the ways that God is calling you to surrender and follow risk-taking obedience this holiday season. Add it in the comments below or learn more about Oakwood’s challenge for “Ending Scripture Poverty.”
