WATCHWORD:
Mary’s Song of Praise – The Magnificat
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49
Meditation:
Mary Did You Know?
We are in the midst of the season of miracles, one after another. Not the least of which is the role that Mary played in this whole and amazing panoply presented to us by our Creator God, for our eternal benefit.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy, Would one day walk on water?
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:23-33
Jesus walked across the stormy sea for the benefit of the disciples, and for us. They exclaimed “You really are the Son of God!” but then the doubts began to form as we know from the continued ministry of Jesus. Yes they were believers and yes they were followers but there were times when Jesus words and his actions seemed to go beyond their understanding. How very human, how very much like you and I. I believe Lord, help my unbelief.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy, Would save our sons and daughters?
And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Jesus saves us from our sins by His word, through which He calls sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13, paraphrased.
It is through our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, as Messiah, as the Creator God, that we are infilled with the Holy Spirit and we are set apart through our commitment and through our repentance.
Have you ever thought about how God tolerates our backsliding? How He tolerates our sinful behaviors, are pettiness, our judging, our flaws as human beings. Why does He do that? He does that because He is love. He charged us to love as He loves us, and that’s a hard bar for us to meet. We fall short, and yet He reaches down and, through love, lifts us up. Amen.
Did you know that your baby boy, Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you, Mary did you know?
The message is not just for Mary, it is for all of us. God came down in human form by the name of Jesus to make us new and to deliver us into the Spiritual promise of eternal life. A season of miracles? Yes, and we, who believe, are just some of those miracles. God bless you all. Amen.
Mary Did You Know?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby You kiss the face of God.
Praying with Mary:
Let us pray with Mary that our souls glorifies the Lord and our Spirits find rejoicing in God our Savior. Fill our hearts Lord with gratitude for the great things He has done for us and Blessed us. We love You Lord and know that Your mercy extends to all who love and praise you throughout our generations. Amen.
