Derek Broome
Imagine for a moment that somebody does something really nice for you. What do you say? What do you do? Hopefully, we at least say, “Thank you,” and maybe we even send a card or do something to show our appreciation. Now imagine that somebody does something so amazing and so transformative for you and for your life that words and the polite gesture of sending a card do not even come close to expressing how blessed, how honored and how thankful you truly are.
In Luke 1:26โ34, an angel appeared to a young virgin girl named Mary and informed her that she was going to have a child and to call His name Jesus. He told her that her son will reign over a kingdom that will never end. That shocked and confused Mary for she was a virgin and had never been with a man. The angel informed her in Luke 1:35 that the son that she was to have was from God. She was going to give birth to the Son of God. After hearing about her relative, Elizabeth, also being with child, Mary spoke again to the angel and said in verse 38, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (NKJV). Nothing was impossible with God, and Mary was faithfully ready to serve the Lord.
In Luke 1:39โ45, Mary traveled to visit Elizabeth. When she entered the room, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy, and “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Elizabeth then spoke to Mary about this great blessing, for Elizabeth knew that Mary was going to give birth to the Lord. At this point, Mary responded in a marvelous way. In fact, her response is often referred as the Song of Mary and was used to inspire the song “Magnificat” that is sung today. Mary’s response begins in verses 46โ47 by saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Mary knew how blessed she was, and she responded by magnifying the Lord.
Like Mary, we are a blessed people. God loves us so much that He sent us His Son (John 3:16). Jesus is a blessing for all generations. Those who hear His Word and obey it are made into His blessed people. As His blessed people, who are we magnifying? In whom are we rejoicing? God alone deserves our praise and adoration. Our joy is in the Lord. May we live each day to magnify the Lord and continue to offer Him our humble and thankful praise.
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