Have you ever felt like leaping for joy?
When Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s she had no physical evidence to bring her faith to sight, but God used Elizabeth’s words to confirm what He had already spoken to Mary through the angel. We get a beautiful glimpse of Mary’s heart when she appropriately breaks out in song where her words reflect 12 different Old Testament passages!
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1: 46 – 55)
In her Bible study, JESUS THE ONE AND ONLY, Beth Moore wrote, “The original word for rejoices [in verse 47] is agalliao, meaning ‘to exult, leap for joy, to show one’s joy by leaping and skipping denoting excessive or ecstatic joy and delight. Often spoken of rejoicing with song and dance.’ Whether or not young Mary began physically jumping up and down with joy and excitement, her insides certainly did…Nothing is more appropriate than getting excited when God does something awesome in our lives.”
Would you take a moment now and cry out to God to rejoice over His goodness and all He has done! Don’t hesitate to leap for joy should you like.
Copyright©2017, Gloria Stucky
Originally written for Immanuel Baptist Church 2016
Photo by Brandi Redd on Unsplash