This beautiful expression of Mary’s faith in and love for God is one of the most oft-quoted passages of Scripture, especially during this season of the year. It describes, in joyous tones, Mary’s excitement at the news that the Lord has found favor with her, to the point of choosing her to bear his one and only Son. This was not her first reaction, however, as the preceding verses tell us.

When the angel informs her of this news, Scripture says “Mary was greatly troubled at his words” (Luke 1:29). She then questions the veracity of his message. After further encouragement, Mary accepts the Lord’s plan for her. She then immediately goes to her close friend and relative Elizabeth to share her news. After receiving more joyful encouragement from Elizabeth, Mary exclaims the words that are now known as the Magnificat, from the first word in the Latin translation of the text.

Eager to Obey
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior . . . the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:46, 47, 49).

Oh that we would respond with the same joyful eagerness to follow God’s instructions as Mary does of his assignment for her! Study Luke 1 to see how Mary expresses joy that parallels the truth the angel delivers to her:

• The angel says: “You are to give him the name Jesus” (v. 31; Y’shua means “The Lord saves”). Mary says: “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (v. 50).

• Angel: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (v. 32). Mary: “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm” (v. 51).

• Angel: “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David” (v. 32). Mary: “He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” (vv. 51, 52).

• Angel: “He will reign over the house of Jacob” (v. 33). Mary: “He has helped his servant Israel” (v. 54).

• Angel: “His kingdom will never end” (v. 33). Mary: “Remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever” (vv. 54, 55).

Confident of God’s Message
Mary’s joy and its beautiful expression directly relate to her confidence in the truth of God’s message for her. Are we as confident in the truth of God’s messages for us? Do we respond with such beautiful obedience as she?

Consider some of God’s messages to us:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30, 31).

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Let us move beyond whatever aspects of God’s instructions we might find troubling, and joyfully encourage one another to fulfill his purposes. Let’s respond to these truth-based assignments from God with the beautiful trust and obedience displayed by Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant. . . . May it be to me as you have said.”

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* All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.