Our scripture this morning is Luke 1:46-55.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Mary is unique in scripture in that she accepts her role as God’s servant without reservation. She has questions when the angel Gabriel tells her what God has planned (Luke 1:26-38), but she responds to the Lord immediately. In this passage she visits her cousin Elizabeth and proclaims God’s greatness through these beautiful verses.
How do we respond to God’s call on our lives? Most of us have not received an angelic message as Mary did, but God speaks to us every day, through scripture and prayer, but also by showing us the needs of His world. Our reaction to these situations should be like Mary’s – immediate and thankful for the opportunity to serve.
We can’t solve all the world’s problems individually, that’s what we collectively as the body of Christ are charged to do. We must be involved both as persons and as the people of God. Jesus expects and deserves no less from us.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our savior, Jesus Christ and for faithful servants willing to work to bring Your kingdom on earth. Help us to be strong in our faith and energetic in our work, that all may know Your love. Amen.