Submitting to the Father

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name.

Luke 1:47-49

When Mary received the news from the angel that she would give birth to the Savior, she immediately submitted to God, accepting what was told to her. But, it was when she saw her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant herself, just as the angel had also told her, that Mary began praising the Lord.

What happened from the time an angel came to speak to her, which in and of itself is a miraculous occurrence, to the time when she saw Elizabeth?

Perhaps there was some doubt or nagging worry in Mary’s mind. She was submitted to God, certainly, but she must have wondered how on earth she was going to be pregnant with the Savior when she had not known, or been with, a man. She had her faith and the word of the angel, but it was when she saw that the angel’s words about Elizabeth were true that it must have really struck her.

If a woman barren for so many years could be pregnant, than surely nothing is impossible with God. And that is exactly what Mary’s praise song was: Marveling at the goodness and wonderfulness of God.

It would appear that at this point, Mary really began to realize exactly the honored role she was to play in the salvation of the world. And it is a praise song that we all can learn from. She begins by exalting God and acknowledging His role as Savior. She then admits her low state and her need for a Savior, and praises God that He has raised her up.

Mary’s Magnificat is a true picture of the beautiful life of a Christian: Recognizing that we have a Savior in Jesus Christ, acknowledging that we need a Savior because of our sin and depravity, and praising Him for the wonderful things He does for us, even though we are not deserving.

Might our words and our actions every day magnify the greatness of the Lord and all that He has done and will do for us, as He allows us to be a part of His wonderful plan of salvation.

Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,  

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; 

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 

For He who is mighty has done great things for me, 

And holy is His name. 

And His mercy is on those who fear Him 

From generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, 

And exalted the lowly. 

He has filled the hungry with good things, 

And the rich He has sent away empty. 

He has helped His servant Israel, 

In remembrance of His mercy,  

As He spoke to our fathers, 

To Abraham and to his seed forever."