THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (FEAST)

My spirit rejoices.

If you had to describe Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth in only one word, it most certainly would be “joyful.” Elizabeth cries out with joy when she hears Mary’s voice. Her child leaps for joy in the womb. And Mary shares that her spirit “rejoices” in the Lord (Luke 1:47).

This scene is more than a happy family reunion. It’s two women, sisters in the Lord, rejoicing over God’s work in them. Not only has each of them conceived miraculously, but they have both been privileged to play a pivotal role in God’s plan of salvation.

Look closely at Mary’s prayer of praise, and you’ll find another reason for their joy. Both she and Elizabeth have been “lifted up” by the Lord (Luke 1:52).

This isn’t just pious language. Mary is speaking from experience. Remember, Joseph had considered divorcing her when he first learned she was pregnant with a child that wasn’t his. She came close to being condemned, and her child, conceived by the Holy Spirit, being labeled illegitimate. But by sending an angel to reassure Joseph, God rescued Mary and lifted her up to become the Mother of the Messiah. And for that, Mary is filled with joy.

As for Elizabeth, it was common for a woman’s “barrenness” to be seen as God’s punishment for some hidden sin. The fact that Elizabeth rejoiced over God taking away her “disgrace before others” shows how keenly she must have felt that disgrace (Luke 1:25). You can imagine her enduring her neighbors’ pity and scorn. But now she rejoices that God has delivered her from the prying eyes and pointing fingers of “the proud” (1:51).

How has God lifted you up? Maybe he has helped you overcome a particular sin. Maybe his mercy has delivered you from shame or fear. Maybe he has healed you or spoken just the right word at just the right time or accompanied you during a season of suffering. Whatever it is, give praise to the Lord for it today. Join Mary in rejoicing in God, your Savior!

“Lord, my spirit rejoices in your saving power!”

Zephaniah 3:14-18
(Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 1:39-56

WORD AMONG US