Mary’s Song

Reading Mary’s song, I was struck with how she was amazed at God’s choice and way of doing things. I’m always amazed at God’s way of doing things. His ways are not our ways, but they are perfect. The whole story of the first advent of Jesus turned out to be completely different than everyone expected. His whole earthly life, death and resurrection were completely different than everyone expected. The best part about it all is that it seems to me this unexpected aspect is part of what makes it so believable, and therefore strengthens my faith. It’s just not what man would make up.

Yes, there were amazing miracles, but God’s choice of each person used for every aspect is not what man would have chosen. We know this because of the many myths and legends in ancient cultures that include so many stories of a half god, half man being. These are man’s ideas and they are full of grandeur. God’s choice, however, was humble and lowly. That’s exactly what Mary was singing about as her cousin prophesied of the life conceived inside of her.

In Luke 1, we read of an old man and woman who were anything but glorious in their own eyes and a young teenage nobody engaged to a laborer practically living in poverty…not a god who came down and disguised himself as a handsome prince only to seduce the beautiful maiden to conceive a half man half god who would grow up to slay some beast…as you would read in some mythology.

You see, man would not make up what’s written in scripture because it doesn’t give man glory. All the glory goes to God, for even when miraculous things occur, the chosen ones remain lowly, even though their names are remembered and blessed for generation after generation. Even Mary was amazed at how God used her, a “nobody“ in her own eyes, and she didn’t expect anything glorious in return.

Too many people say that they want to serve God, but really they’re out to make a name for themselves, and when it comes time for a sacrifice, they’re out of there. Yet, this is how God works…He chooses the “nobodies”, the ones who are not out to seek their own glory, yet are willing to sacrifice for the privilege of serving God and others. He lifts them up, and honors them in the presence of those who honor and glorify themselves.

I’m thankful for the many heroes we read of in scripture who were willing to make sacrifices and receive no gain all for the sake of others. Mary risked her own life in agreeing to be the virgin mother of Christ. Then she witnessed her Son’s suffering…every parent’s nightmare. Even though her name’s been lifted up in ways that would embarrass her, she never asked for anything, and I’m sure she would prefer to remain the humble bond slave of the Lord.

Mary’s Song

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

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.

His mercy extends to those

who fear him,

 from generation to generation.

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.

He has filled the hungry with good things

 but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

 remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

 just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-55

Amie Spruiell
12/15/2011