And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. “And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. “He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed. “He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home. Luke 1:46-56

In yesterday’s passage a young and pregnant Mary visited Elizabeth. Elizabeth was older and also pregnant, with John the Baptist. The angel Gabriel had affirmed God’s plan for their lives but God brought them together. During this visit, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth affirms Mary and her unique role in history.

It would have been easy for Mary to make this about Mary. My head sure quickly swells when I receive recognition from others. But to her credit, Mary responds to affirmation with a song of joy, praising God’s holiness and His unfailing faithfulness to His people.

People all over the world elevate Mary, making her an object of worship, but Jesus corrected this behavior in Luke 11:27-28, saying instead that “blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
We shouldn’t worship Mary, but we should admire Mary’s example as a believer who chose to follow obediently. Mary’s object of worship was God, as it should be with us. God chose Elizabeth, John the Baptist and Mary, and He chose us.

Today you may have an opportunity to be Elizabeth, to affirm what God is doing in someone else’s life, giving them the encouragement they need when their faith is weak. Or you may be Mary, with an opportunity to deflect praise to where it belongs. In either case, trust in Him to show you the way.
In Christian tradition, Mary’s song is called the Magnificat, which in Latin means “my soul exalts.” Let’s commit to live out the words of Psalm 34:3 in worship: “O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.”

Weekly Memory Verse: O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34.8