Who is Mary of Nazareth? Part 3

Who is Mary of Nazareth? Part 3

(Mary has heard from the angel Gabriel that she is going to have the Son of the Most High and has gone to visit her elderly relative, Elizabeth, who is herself expecting a “miracle” child.)

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, even as he said to our fathers. Luke 1:46-55

In these verses, we hear Mary’s Song of Praise to her God. Her spirit rejoiced in the news and its confirmation. The word used for rejoice here is not the most commonly used Greek word used for rejoice in the New Testament. The word for ‘rejoice’ in verse 47 actually means “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.” This was the joyous response of a young teenage girl getting the best news of her life. She was ecstatic, possibly even leaping and jumping, as she praised her God, rejoicing over the awesome work God was doing in her life. But more importantly, this song also helps us get a view of why God had highly favored her in the first place. In these words we see reference to at least 12 different Old Testament passages. Here was a young woman who knew the Scriptures—yes, she was a theologian, even in a culture where girls weren’t given the privilege of formal education. She hadn’t just heard the Scriptures; she had meditated upon them, treasured them in her heart and memorized them. She was intimately familiar with the words of Hannah, Moses, King David and the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah. She knew the history of her nation and God’s faithfulness to Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Daniel and the people of Israel. She knew that with God, nothing is impossible. All of His promises would prove true. He is faithful, loving, compassionate and intensely jealous for the hearts of His people. She knew He is the Sovereign God who established all kings and kingdoms by the word of his mouth—the God who raises up and brings down. In a culture where women had few opportunities to learn, she had made it a priority in her life to learn the Scriptures. Because of that, she knew her God. She had passionately pursued knowing Him, and when she was called upon to become the mother of the Most High, she was ready for the job. Her theology was the driving force behind her response—"I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." She was a bond servant of the Most High God ready and willing to do whatever He asked of her.

So how can we take these truths and apply them to our own lives....

To be continued.