The Magnificat: A Song of Praise
By Kelly Chesnut, Deeply Rooted Coordinator
Post date: Dec. 2, 2019
We’ve all faced difficulties. Whether family, financial, social or cultural, some circumstances are just plain hard.
Throughout their history, Israel experienced incredibly difficult times. But with each trial, they continued to hope for the rescue and relief that would be theirs through the coming Messiah. I imagine families throughout Israel longed to be the ones chosen to bear the Anointed One. Yet few really knew what it would cost.
I’ve often thought about what it was like for Mary when Gabriel brought news that “confused and disturbed” her (Luke 1:29, NLT). I doubt she fully understood what this news meant — for her, for Israel and ultimately for the whole world.
Once Mary’s pregnancy became known, she faced an incredibly hard path. Young and unmarried, she risked being ostracized from her family and community, divorced and potentially stoned to death.
But her response to Gabriel was: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true” (Luke 1:38, NLT). And later, when Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, her reaction was still praise: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (Luke 1:46, NLT)
Did you notice that? Mary’s soul praised the Lord. In the midst of troubling times and uncertainty, praise filled Mary’s soul.
We don’t know much about Mary’s childhood. Did she grow up attending synagogue, hearing the elders read from David’s psalms?
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your
iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion. — Psalm 103:1-4 (NASB)
Did she recognize that the news the angel brought her was also God’s ultimate answer to Israel? That the baby she carried was the one who would pardon sins, heal diseases, redeem lives and crown humanity with lovingkidness and compassion?
This month, we’ll look at what it means to love God with all our souls. Our souls integrate, connect and bind together the various parts of our wills, minds and bodies into a single life. It’s a life that’s completely, entirely, absolutely, wholeheartedly designed to connect with God.
With all that she was and all she had, Mary praised God. Her eyes were fixed on the surety of God’s presence and his character. There’s joy in knowing that no matter what we face, we’re not alone! More than 2,000 years after Mary’s rejoicing, we too still rejoice in Immanuel: God with us.
A Time of Reflection:
Put yourself in Israel’s position. How would it feel to wait years and years for an answer from God?
What concerns are facing you right now? How can you submit them to God like Mary did?
As you face challenging people or circumstances, how can you respond in a way that reflects love for God with your whole soul?
Dive deeper into what it looks like to love God with all your soul in our devotional.
Para leer el devocional en español oprima aquí.