Mary
Full of Joy
Mary found great joy in following God. When she speaks, her subjects are the greatness of God and the good things He is doing in her and through her. I see her joy shining through scripture in many ways.
Mary’s joy is evident in her acceptance of God’s message and her impending motherhood.
We meet Mary as (most likely) a teen, and I imagine her with all the high spirits and hopes of youth, willing to jump into God’s plan without getting bogged down in the risks or consequences. Like many teenagers, Mary was probably bursting with energy, big dreams, and ideas.
The knowledge that God looked on her with favor and chose her for a pivotal role in His Kingdom was an exciting opportunity to Mary. She asked only one clarifying question of Gabriel before saying, “Yes!” to God’s call. I think she answered with whole-hearted enthusiasm. Afterall, what young woman doesn’t want to play a key role in a great adventure?
Mary is young, so she may not realize the full weight of what she is signing up for, but alongside her inexperience, we see her trust in the Lord.
We are told nothing of her life before this encounter with Gabriel, but she is apparently familiar with the history of her people, God’s plans for them, the power of God to intervene on their behalf, and the promises of a Messiah to come.
Mary must have come from a family with strong, living faith, which honored and listened to God’s Word. How did they react to her pregnancy and her story of being visited by an angel?
I imagine them skeptical, like Joseph, hoping to avoid scandal, and sending her away for a bit to give themselves time to figure out the story they would tell.
Whatever occurred in Mary’s family, it would have included disappointment, drama, and discouragement. It was a bumpy ride one way or another. Yet Mary does not seem weighed down by this.
Mary’s joy is evident in her interactions with Elizabeth.
When she arrives at Elizabeth’s, Mary is joyful, confident, and grateful. She looks back on God’s faithfulness and forward to God’s rewards, describing the Lord as strong, just, generous, and merciful.
These are reasons for rejoicing. Her response to Elizabeth’s greeting is one filled with faith and anticipation of God’s ability to rescue His people. She is not deterred by the disruption and disgrace that will accompany her choice.
Based on her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) Mary seems to bounce back and bring her heart around to hope again. Young though she is, the poetry and cadence of Scripture resides in her heart and mind, overflowing in her speech.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, …
He has shown strength with His arm; …
… He has filled the hungry with good things …
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, …”
Luke 1:46-47, 51a, 53a, 54 ESV
Her heart hangs onto these truths even in the context of the problems and pressures generated by her pregnancy. Mary’s frame of reference is the overarching story of the Lord’s desire and ability to rescue, redeem, and restore.
“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 1:55 ESV
Coupled with that, Mary feels personally seen and valued by the Lord:
“…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.”
Luke 1:48-49 ESV
For me. Not just for Israel or for generations, but for me, Mary says. And not just a great thing, but great things. Mary has known the Lord’s favor in her life more than once. More than just now.
I hear a joy and wonder in her words, a delight in being loved and honored by the Lord. She calls Him mighty and holy, naming herself humble and His servant. Furthermore, Mary sees beyond her lifetime, and how she will be honored in the future. Even though she experiences dishonor in the present, she is not getting stuck in it.
The living faith of her family, the scriptures she heard, and the traditions she practiced all cultivated her knowledge of God and the joy of the Lord. She knows God’s goodness and greatness deep in her soul.
Scripture tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength. Mary certainly displays strength, despite her youth, her low status in society, and the scandalous situation that results from her saying yes to God’s call. Joy fills her and overflows to those around her, even reaching us today.
Consider and Comment Below
What practices have cultivated the knowledge of God in your mind?
What practices have cultivated the joy of the Lord in your heart?
What scriptures overflow from your heart and mind into your speech?
When have you felt God’s favor on you?
Has it ever resulted in disruption in your life?
What experiences with God and His faithfulness can you look back on to be encouraged?