Songs of the Scripture - Pt. 8

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on 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 for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 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 offspring forever.” (Luke 1:46-55 ESV).

 

One of the most beautiful songs in the Bible is the one Mary sings as she reflects on God’s faithful work and prepares to become the mother of the promised Savior. Though she recognizes that all generations will call her blessed, she acknowledges with humility that all of this will take place only through “the Mighty One [who] has done great things… —holy is his name.” She goes on to exclaim about God’s mercy, his mighty acts, his compassion for the needy, and his faithfulness through all generations. God, in his mercy, lifts up the humble such as Mary out of sheer grace. Mary glorifies and rejoices in the Lord because through the child she will bear, Jesus, God will bring salvation from sin.

 

Many of our songs today, even our Christian songs, focus more on us: what we do, what we need, and how we act. While there is nothing wrong with these songs as we see ample evidence of the same in Scripture. However, it’s also important that we focus on God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, and all that he has done for us.

 

I love some old songs that proclaim “How Great Thou Art!” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” It has become my practice to awake a bit earlier than Mary each day and spend the time simply listening to hymns and songs of praise. There’s a sprinkling of various genres, though the playlist has two important things in common: they each magnify the marvelous grace of God; and, they each point me to a deeper relationship with Him. It has become an incredible part of reminding me that my God is more than I could ever need. He will truly never forsake me (cf. Deuteronomy 32:6).

 

That’s who the Lord is. And he loves you and me. Let’s rejoice in that today!