My Spirit Has Rejoiced

December 5, 2022

Luke 1:47 - "And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior"

The elderly Elizabeth, wife of the priest Zechariah, had conceived the child that was to fulfill the prophecy of the arrival of Israel’s long awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ. God had planted the seed of His son in Elizabeth’s cousin Mary, a Jewish virgin, engaged to Joseph, to save His people from their sins. 

Two sons were to be born of two daughters of Israel, the first would be a voice in the wilderness who would announce the arrival of the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. The other would actually BE the Messiah, the Son of God. 

This verse is part of Mary's praise of God in what is called, the Magnificat.  She is overwhelmed with joy and humble gratitude for the gift bestowed on her - the gift for all mankind, promised since the day of Adam and Eve.

Can you imagine how she felt?  Every Jew had longed for the Messiah, the Chosen One.  Waiting. Every girl must have dreamed of bearing the Redeemer. Waiting. Yet, there is no indication that Mary questioned God's messenger - she accepted this promise with gracious humility.  After seeing her cousin Elizabeth, her joy compounded.

Mary’s own precious baby was to be the One who would die for her sin, and everyone else’s. Just like everyone who believes, Mary’s human spirit was made alive the moment she believed God’s Word, that she would bring forth a Son that would save His people. It’s no surprise then that she sang out, “my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior!”

The words to, "Mary did you know?" touch me every time I hear this song - especially this last verse:

Mary, did you know, That your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know, That your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know, That your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.