Singing Theology
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:46-55
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46-47
Have you ever had a song stuck in your head—the tune playing over and over in your mind? Sometimes you can’t help singing or humming the stuck tune all day long.
One day Mary, overwhelmed that she was chosen to give birth to the Savior of the world, sang about the wonders of God.
Mary’s song of devotion to God had three themes:
First, Mary sang about God’s delight to give grace to the humble. God seeks people who seek him with all their heart and mind without drawing attention to themselves. Mary was on God’s radar screen because of her humility. But her choosing was not of merit but of grace.
Second, Mary boasted that God showed mercy. “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” God, who has displayed judgment over the nations, is the same God who is slow to anger and abounds in loving-kindness. God, in Jesus, gives us mercy when we deserve something far worse: punishment for our sins.
Third, Mary’s song remembered that God is generous to those who are empty. Those who believe true life is about building up their personal wealth discover the emptiness of their lifestyles. Ultimately those who are hungry for God’s grace and good things will be filled.
Lord, we sing to you with great joy and gladness as the Savior of the world today. O God, thank you for your grace and mercy; fill us with your goodness and love, we pray. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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