UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 13, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“From the Prayer of Mary”

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Several things jump out from this beautiful prayer of Mary.

First, note that Mary sang this praise to God upon hearing the testimony by her relative Elizabeth, also the mother of John the Baptizer, about the child Jesus in her womb.  This is to suggest that a testimony about Jesus from the mouth of believers should be enough for us to glorify the Lord.  However, Mary was not the first one who sang this song.  Although each song was unique, Hannah, the prophet Samuel’s mother, and King David sang this genre of song first (1 Sam. 2:1-10; Ps. 62). May we also praise the Lord like Mary, Hannah and David.

Second, note also that their songs are about God and His attention to details of our lives.  As such, the way God is and what He does are so contrary to the worldly standards and how our culture operates (Matt. 19:30; 20:16).  In sum, there is no area too small for God not to intervene, that is, God’s sovereignty reaches out to every aspect of our lives.  What a relief to all us!

Third, be reminded that, in contrast to how Roman Catholicism views Mary—a sinless person—she was a sinner just as we all are.  In other words, Romans 3:23, which states that “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, applies to her as well as to us. Mary, therefore, was in desperate need of a Savior.  For this reason, she said, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (v. 47); only a sinner needs a Savior.  With a doubt, true praises come forth from our hearts at the moment when we truly recognize our need for the Savior, Jesus Christ.  May we also encounter the Lord in the same way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my soul magnifies and glories Your precious name. Be exalted on high, my Lord, for You are like none other and there is no one like You in the universe. Thank You for giving us Your Son Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philemon 1