Unexpected Gifts
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And 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 mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever. Luke 1:46-55
My heart exults in the Lord; my horn in exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1-2
INSIGHT
For a good “rags-to-riches” story, it is not necessary to delve into Horatio Alger novels or watch Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness. Look no further than the story of the Virgin Mary.
Today’s scripture captures Mary’s moment of magnifying God for how He has lifted her up. Whether we consider ourselves romantics or not, we can all gain a little joy from stories we love to experience over and over. For the historically driven, it could be the account of Harriet Tubman’s rise from slavery to a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and eventually major advocate for women’s suffrage. For the sports fanatic, there’s always Rudy, Rocky or googling “the band is on the field.”
We draw up so much inspiration from stories of deafening hardship to crescendos of joy. How sustainable for us though is real joy? And what exactly is going to bring us real joy?
Mary was a poor girl from the “nothing good comes from” place of Nazareth. Though vexed by the angel Gabriel’s decree that she, an unwed virgin, would give birth to the Son of the Most High, she soon realized God’s provision. He was taking an ordinary servant and lifting her up as the mother of the Prince of Peace.
It was not all easy for Mary, however. Yes, she would bear the Messiah who would go on to perform miracles. Yes, she would rear the child who would save the world from its sin. Small wonder the Ave Maria (Hail Mary) prayer and song declare her “blessed among women.” However, in this same stroke of divinity, the Virgin Mary would encounter hard times.
Read on in the Book of Luke and note that Simeon would inform Mary “a sword will pierce through your own soul” (Luke 2:34-35). Mary would endure Jesus being persecuted, brutalized, and executed. She would also face the ridicule of her community as an unwed mother.
In a “#blessed” era, it is hard for us to detach true joy from material comforts. That stuff doesn’t always show up when we want or maybe not at all. We are good at acknowledging tangible blessings, but we often lack the countercultural level of joy Mary displayed as she was overcome with gratitude.
Despite all the difficulty presented by her new circumstances, Mary praises God in a moment of sheer elation in seeing what He has done. She identifies an everlasting joy brought only by the gift of Jesus, an unexpected gift to her. Mary’s song is one of praise, which simply cannot be contained as joy spills over.
You will encounter harsher stretches in life, but God will never be shaken. We have to stop and recognize his faithfulness in order to get real, lasting joy. Through Christ, we start to notice a brand of hope only available in his unfathomable love. This hope yields joy, which you will inevitably see expressed and made complete through praising Him.
It will require some waiting (maybe more than you thought). It will require prayer. Want some proof? Look to the Old Testament in 1 Samuel. We learn of Hannah’s song, which is similar to Mary’s. She has a child, Samuel, an unexpected gift from God. Once barren, she is humbly exalted, seeing the greatness of God in His answer to her prayers.
God is well known for this lifting people up stuff: lead my people, Joshua; drop your nets and follow me, Peter; come on down Zacchaeus. You don’t have to look for me because I’m coming to your house today! God’s redemptive work has already begun within our current struggles.
As we can see through Mary’s and Hannah’s songs of praise, God is revealing just how mighty He is by making the lowly high. We have to remember though that the best gifts are indeed unexpected, and a continuous, vibrant joy is available by a life of grace and freedom offered through Christ Jesus.
REFLECTION
Where can recognizing God’s faithfulness enable joy to erupt within you? Why did this circumstance come to mind?
PRAYER
God, You are with me at all times and in all things. Your presence and faithfulness bring me joy. May my life overflow with praise. Let the joy in my heart ripple out through my words, actions, and relationships. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Adam King wrote today’s devotional.
