“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.” (Luke 1:46-49 NIV)
Mary met a miraculously expectant Elizabeth and her soul set on fire. She opens her mouth and burst out in what the Church would forever refer to as the Magnifcat: a spectacular of thanks and praise to God for His mercy and inclusion in salvation’s plan for all people.
I wonder, did she remember this song as her pregnancy grew noticeable and her neighbors became judgmental? Did she recall it still on the long and arduous journey to Bethlehem or when the innkeeper turned them away into the cold night? Was her soul still singing as she bore down to bring her babe into the world with an audience of farm animals alone?
If she had set her song aside in these hard moments, surely the melody swelled again within her as the shepherds and angels came to see her miracle come to full-term. Her heart must have been singing at top volume when far-away wisemen showed up on the first family’s front stoop with extravagant gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh.
Did her song sputter when she heard Herod wanted to kill her infant son? Was she too breathless to hum even her most familiar tune on their flight to Egypt? Did she she sing her song of deliverance in a foreign land, as her ancestors had before?
I suspect the Magnificat chased Mary down through every day of her journey as mother to Jesus. She alone had a front row seat to salvation’s story. I can’t help but believe she recalled each stanzas Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with man. He stepped into His role as Messiah-Teacher and she saw the lyrics in her head finally come to life.
“His mercy extends to this who fear Him, from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50 NIV)
The very young and very old alike were drawn to Jesus, and everyone in between. No one was turned out from His presence. Even small children were welcome at His feet.
“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm: He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.” (Luke 1:51 NIV)
Jesus healed lepers and cripples alike. He restored sight. He dispossessed the demonic and restored the adulteress. He took on the Pharisees and set them scrambling to cover their corruption.
“He has brought down rulers from the their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” (Luke 1:52 NIV)
Two Herod’s and a Pilate came off their seats of government to speak with Jesus. But His Kingdom is not of this world and He chose twelve outcasts as His advisor-companions.
“He has filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich away empty.” (Luke 1:53 NIV)
The poorest of crowds found their fill at miraculous Jesus-picnics. But the rich young ruler went away sad.
“He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and His descendants forever, just as He promises our ancestors.”
(Luke 1:54-55 NIV)
Mary’s sweet and innocent Son went to the cross to extend mercy to all who would believe. Jesus was the long-awaited grace of God spilled on the earth. Did she recall her melody as she waited in the wings of Jesus’ earthly life? Did she still cling to her song of hope and purpose as her boy clung to the cross, gasping for last breath?
But what about Sunday? I bet Mary was singing at sunrise again when she came upon the empty tomb and laid eyes on her Savior-Son resurrected: healthy, whole and holy.
It’s just like God to give us a song at the start of our story: a little lyric and melody to carry us our whole life through. He is a gracious and compassionate Father who knows our story and our need. So often He meets it before we even realize the depth of it.
Like Mary, our circumstances change. What we thought we knew and understood can transform under our feet and the landscape buckles a bit. But even then, we can keep singing. Our song of thanks and praise is for our whole life: the valleys ad mountains and everything in between and even beyond our borrowed grave.
Yet I will praise You
Yet I will sing of Your name
Here in the shadows
Here I will offer my praise
What’s true in the light
Is still true in the dark
You’re good and You’re kind
And You care for this heart.
(Weep With Me; Rend Collective)
Lord, we are so thankful for song. You sing over us from the start and You teach us to sing. Today we realize that our song is still strong in the dark, even when we struggle to sing ourselves, You pick up our melody and carry us through. Thank You for covering the extent of our needs before we even know them. You are faithful and You are forever. We give You all the glory and praise. Amen.