Knowing God

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.’ Luke 1:46-48 NKJV

Mary had received the most coveted call of women. She was chosen to be the mother of our Lord. For all of eternity, generations will call Mary blessed. What made Mary special? I believe it was her unique heart for God, combined with her belief in, respect for, and knowledge of His Word. Mary knew God! Although that’s noteworthy, it shouldn’t surprise us, because we can see it in her words. The depth of Mary’s godly wisdom and knowledge of scripture is found in her testimony to Elizabeth in Luke 1:46-56. If you’re unfamiliar with these passages, they’re a confession from her heart referred to as Mary’s Magnificat.

Since they were uttered to Elizabeth, believers have been challenged to understand the debth of Mary’s relationship with God. He is relational and desires fellowship with us, and Mary made time for God. With all probability, Mary was illiterate, because women of this era were uneducated and didn’t study scripture. Yet Mary knew God and His Word. It was written on her heart! Her knowledge of God was not intellectual or mere head knowledge either. Mary had a humble yearning for God which produced heart wisdom. Subsequently, Mary’s heart longed after God. That’s why she made solitude with Him a priority. Unlike other women in scripture who were “busy-busy” doing many things when they received God’s call, Mary was focused on one thing when Gabriel’s visitation occurred. Worshiping God - Mary had found solitude on a hillside outside Nazareth, and there alone, she prayed, praised, and worshiped God!

Mary had hope in salvation, and it was linked to Him. We see that in her confession, “…My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Savior in that verse tells Mary’s story; it tells ours, too. The Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament defines “Savior” in this passage as “one who rescues or saves—‘deliverer, rescuer, savior.’ ” Although things change over time, passing time has not altered its meaning. Savior means the same thing today that it meant to Mary – Savior, even still is Savior.

In Luke 1:47, Mary assures Elizabeth with humble gladness, “and my spirit rejoiced [delights; to make resplendent; to adore] in God my Savior.” In the midst of her pressing dilemma, betrothed to Joseph and pregnant with God’s Son, Mary rejoiced and praised God. Remember, at this time Mary had not yet faced Joseph or her parents. None of them knew of Gabriel’s visitation and annunciation. She had delayed that meeting until she had seen Elizabeth face to face. Gabriel had described her elder relative, Elizabeth as formerly barren, but now happy, satisfied, and great with child. This news required more than a mere ponder. Mary had to behold Elizabeth. She had to see with her own eyes. Seeing Elizabeth would strengthen Mary and bring confirmation and rest to her heart and spirit. Watch this. God knew exactly what Mary needed in the moment – to be with Elizabeth as she came to terms with the depth of her most coveted call.

So young Mary believed God, and was “blessed among women as was the fruit of her womb.” (See Luke 1:42.) Mary never hoped in herself. Her hope rested in God. She knew He was faithful and would not only protect her, but guard His Son, who was hidden securely within her womb. What joy and privilege! There could be only one mother for Jesus and God had chosen Mary of Nazareth to bring forth our Deliverer. Although obstacles lay ahead, she would face each trial with courage, grace, and unwavering faith in God. This was not the end of Mary’s journey; it was just the beginning.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, give us hearts like Mary’s! Write your Word on our hearts and bring it to performance in our lives. Make us worshipers! Give us hearts to praise and adore You, for only You are worthy of our praise. Amen.