Mary's Song: My Soul Glorifies the LordChikamu

Day Five

God Helps His People

As Mary’s song comes to a close, she leaves us with two thoughts about how God helps His people. 

First, God remembers His mercy. The people of Israel, just like people today, desperately needed God’s mercy and deliverance. Roman enslavement made their search for deliverance frantic—so frantic that many were turning to false messiahs and other answers for escape. Some found their security in the Roman state or humanistic answers instead of God. If a people ever needed God to remember His mercy, it was then. Sound familiar? Mary proclaims that the Lord remembers His mercy. 

Second, God remembers His promise of the Messiah. He promised the Messiah to the fathers of Israel, to Abraham, and his children. The promise is now fulfilled! Jesus is the Savior, not simply of one man’s offspring, but the world.

Mary remains with Elizabeth for about three months, the time needed to confirm she is pregnant. She needs the encouragement of Elizabeth until her miraculous conception is confirmed and evident. Note the simple childlikeness of Mary and her need for the support and encouragement of her relative who is probably more spiritually mature. We also need support and encouragement from believers who are farther along in their faith. Without this, we wither.

For Reflection

• What has struck you most about Mary's song?
• Mary needed Elizabeth to make it through. Do you have an Elizabeth in your life?
• Have you found ways to habitually proclaim the greatness of the Lord?