A Family Meeting

After Mary found out she was going to have a child, and after she's been told that her barren cousin was as well, she decided to take trip to see Elizabeth.

What we see happen is when Mary shows up, she greets Elizabeth, and John jumps for joy while in Elizabeth's womb. At this, she is filled with the Holy Spirit and knows that Mary is pregnant and with who she is pregnant with! She had no prior knowledge as far as we can see, but it was revealed to her, by God, through the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth then tells Mary just how blessed she is and how excited she is for what's coming.

But one thing that she says is, "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." Yes, this is specifically spoken of about Mary, but that doesn't mean that we can't look at this and apply it to ourselves. We all are promised things from God, just as Mary was promised a son. And just like her, we become blessed by believing there will be a fulfillment of the promise. We see that all throughout the Old Testament. Abraham was promised an inheritance, and great nation for his offspring, and centuries later we see these events taking place with his decedents. He was promised by God, and he believed that there would be a fulfillment.

And because of that, Mary spends 10 of our verses praising God for what he has done and his magnificence. Spend time reading this passage, and reflect on it while keeping in mind the promise that was fulfilled with the coming of Jesus, and also the promises that came with him.

My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scatted the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he had brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy, 

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.