THE MAGNIFICAT
«And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50).
God waited for four thousand years to entrust a woman the task of being the mother of His son. Ever since the promise of the Messiah had been given, every Israelite mother had hoped that He would be her first-born son. then Mary learned that Elisabeth was also expecting a child, she decided to visit her cousin and to share her secret with her. Mary needed understanding and help. You are indeed blessed if you have friends you can share your concerns with. Blessed is the young woman who seeks counsel from older female friends. You, too, can be that type of friend. ‘The Lord formed man for companionship, and He designs that we shall be imbued with the kind, loving nature of Christ and shall through association be bound together in close relationship as children of God.»—Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p 609.
Mary and Elisabeth had a wonderful time together. They immediately identified with each other because of their love and their common desire to praise God. Elisabeth prophesied: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). Mary responded with a song, known as the Magnificat, which is the Latin word it begins with, meaning ‘magnify.” This is one of the most sublime hymns of sacred literature. It has four stanzas: thankfulness for having been chosen (see Luke 1:46-48); praise for the power and holiness of God (verses 49, 50); confession of the true greatness of God (verses 51—53)i and thankfulness for God’s eternal faithfulness (verses 54, SS) (see SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 683).
Fearful because of the greatness of their mission, Mary and Elisabeth comforted each other. ‘Let your conversation be of Him who liveth to make intercession for you before the Father. When you take the hand of a friend, let praise to God be on your lips and in your heart. This will attract his thoughts to Jesus. “—Steps to Christ, ch. 13, p. 119. Mary was ministered to by the friendship, the conversation, and the songs.
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. .. Often your mind may be clouded because of pain. It is a law of nature that our thoughts
and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. . . . If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have, —the great mercy and love of God, —we should have more faith and greater joy.
Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God.»—Ministry of Healing, ch.18, pp 251, 233.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes