Joy Nugget #20: Mary on Joy

Most of us have just refreshed this story over the last week— Read again Mary’s response after greeting her relative Elizabeth.

Luke 1:46-55: "My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. " He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. "He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Now put yourself in her shoes. You are a young adolescent, probably about 15 years old. You have just found out that you are going to have a baby, not your husband’s. You are not even married. The law stipulates this crime (assumed adultery) was punishable by stoning. As soon as the angel reminds you that your aunt has also been blessed with a miraculous child, you jet to her house as fast as you can. For you to express this genuine response of worship, what have you been cultivating your whole life?

Just like Hannah, Mary’s response is the overflow of a heart soaked in the love and goodness of God—both to her personally, and to God’s people in the bigger story of salvation history.