46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
I am captivated by this woman. Though it doesn't say why she went away to be with Elizabeth for 3 months, I have my ideas. But this past Sunday we were doing a divine reading through this passage when I stumbled upon this phrase. "Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and returned home." Truly, she understood what God had done for her. I mean an angel visits her and tells her she's pregnant by God. She runs to the only person who may understand her revelation. And Elizabeth, her cousin and only friend at this point, honors her. I mean she’s been chosen to be the Messiah’s mommy. But she believes it—something very few would be willing to do, given that Yahweh has been a bit less than vocal over the past centuries. But this? A poor, Jewish girl turns up pregnant after being given to an honorable man in a marriage engagement? Mary’s faith blows mine to pieces. And Elizabeth is so blessed by her presence? The irony of it all. A girl who would bring shame to many is probably the most blessed woman in history, and most humble at the same time. How fitting for the man who would embody humility. He gave this gift to his mommy, who by all means would teach it back to her son. Fear, thrill, panic, conflict? She returned home. She returned home with no guarantee that her husband would take her, or believe her, or even withhold a just accusation against her. However, she returned home with her hand pressed against her belly, holding the hand of her baby boy and her Savior, and putting her life in His powerful hand all at the same time. I think this had something to do with her decision to go back home. With all of heaven watching, she humbly took her place in the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard. I want to marry a woman like Mary. And I want to be like her baby boy.
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