“…[F]or the Mighty One has done great things for me…”

                 The two women were more than excited.  They could hardly contain themselves.  Each was experiencing her first pregnancy specifically brought about by God’s deliberate intervention.  One was Elizabeth, the other her relative Mary.  Elizabeth’s child – John the Baptist; Mary’s – Jesus.  Both were overwhelmed at God’s grace and favor toward them.

Mary came to visit Elizabeth and stayed with her for 3 months (v. 56).  But after their initial conversation, Mary praises God for His blessing in verses 46-55.  Verse 49 captures the theme of her praise:  “for the Mighty One has done great things for me…”  This should be the testimony of every believer, not just the mother of Jesus.  Has He not blessed us with tremendous blessings that affect not only our lives here on earth, but for all eternity?  The command found in the old hymn, “Count Your Many Blessings,” if followed literally, would not allow time for anything else, so numerous are His blessings.

The text of Mary’s praise gives us clues as to how the might and power of God can be seen.  And each part comes from the Old Testament.  She first says, “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”  This is found in Psalm 103:17.  Next she says, “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm…” also found in Psalm 118:15.  Then she says, “He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”  We find a parallel for this in Psalm 33:10.  In verse 52 she states, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble,” seen in 1 Samuel 2:7-8.  The next verse declares, “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty,” indicating that not even the wealthy, the famous or influential people of the earth can stop God’s mighty works when he overturns the fortunes of His people.

But what is the summary point Mary makes about God’s might?  It is found in the last 2 verses.  “He has helped His servant, Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever” – verses 54-55.  In other words, God’s mighty power is demonstrated by His ability to keep the promises He made first to Abraham and then to his descendants.  That is why all of the above descriptions Mary makes of God can be found in the Old Testament, the record of God’s promises and predictions.  He alone can fulfill what He says and what He promises.  He is dependent upon no one.

In contrast we see James’ comments found in 4:13-17 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’  As it is, you boast and brag.”  James’ point is that we can do nothing all by ourselves.  Even our ability to keep our word is dependent on God permitting us to do so, not on our power or might to control circumstances.  Because we are not mighty like God, James says, “All such boasting is evil.”  It is the height of arrogance to think this way, yet how often do we hear people talking such nonsense as if they were ruling the world from heaven?

The sooner we acknowledge the reality of our own powerlessness and the mighty power that is God’s alone, we take significant steps forward in our walk with our Savior.  We place our dependency squarely where it belongs – on God’s shoulders.  Our lives are in His hands; we are saved by His mighty power, not ours.  If we really believe this, our lives, attitudes, decisions and even our daily talk will reflect this fact to those around us.  Can others see and hear of the Mighty God from us?  Can they tell that it is Him who is our goal, our purpose, our guide…and our strength?