Mary’S Song Of Praise
MARY’S SONG OF PRAISE
LUKE 1:46-56
Mary’s song is full of God, his power and goodness.
Mary was stirred to song, and the pattern of the hymn was poetry and imagery from the Old Testament. Study carefully Hannah’s hymn of praise in 1 Samuel 2. Follow also the theme of “God’s poor” into Isaiah. The Magnificat, as this song is called from its first word in the Latin version, is an answer to those who allege a division between Christ and the common man, and a reproach for those who, from time to time through the ages, have sought to sequester the faith, as both Sadducee and Pharisee did with Judaism, and make it the sole preserve of the privileged in wealth or knowledge.
Mary spoke as one of the common folk of Palestine (1:51-52). It was a land of shocking poverty, overcrowded, pressing hard upon its poor resources of food and water, as ravaged with hunger and want as India is today. And yet it was among the masses of the land that the deep currents of faithful religion ran. From Elijah to Amos God had spoken through the simple people of the countryside. He was not without witness in high places, and Isaiah is an illustration, but his word found readier resting place where no affluence had bred sloth and materialism, and where the sharp pressure of need had kept men humble and dependent. It is a subduing study to trace through Isaiah to Amos, to the Gospels and James’ epistle, the condemnation of wealth. Consider this theme. The Bible has its men of substance, from Barzillai to Joseph of Arimathea. What is the decisive factor, and the aspect of wealth, which Christ despised, and God condemns, and which man should fear? Why do the rich go empty away (1:53)? Empty of what good things? Which parables point this vital question?
Consider Mary in conclusion. Her true status should be recognized. While denying her worship, Christians do well to honor Mary as the noblest woman of all time. 1:48 envisages Mary’s own expectation that all history would regard her as favored above all her kind. Gabriel and Elizabeth had voiced like opinions. Her devotion, humility and utter self-surrender are the marks of her worth. Observe God’s care for her, and his provision of help in the hour of undoubted trial.
Mary’s authority, it should be remembered, lies behind this account. Analyse the chapter, and note its careful construction of speech and fact, poetry and prose. Luke’s researches are nowhere better illustrated. They vindicate his claim to write “in order” (Luke 1:3).