Pastor Shawn Robinson
Clayton Community Church
He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our ancestors–Abraham and his children—to be merciful to them forever.” Luke 1:53-55
When I was in High School I somehow managed to get selected to sing the tenor solo in our school’s big production of Handel’s Messiah (and it was a public school!). I was scared to death!! Before I completely freaked out, a close friend shared some good words of advice—“don’t sing to the audience, sing to the Lord”.
Isn’t that what Mary did? She just found out that she would be the mother of the Savior of the World and her cousin Elizabeth confirmed that she was the most blessed woman in history! Her heart could not help but burst into a song of praise to, and for, Jesus.
These words in Luke are a part of “Mary’s Song”—a declaration of God’s goodness and love”. Jesus has come into her world and it will never be the same again. Jesus takes care of her physical and spiritual hunger because He knows the coming of God’s kingdom will bring changes affecting every area of her life. At the same time, he assures her that He will be true to his promises to his people. He will never stop extending his kindness to her through good and bad times. This is the heart of God.
This mercy is seen through the whole of Jesus’ life, filling the hungry with good things and extending his mercy and love, even to the point of giving his very life as payment for all we have done wrong.
Mary rejoiced in God’s provision and mercy and she sang her praises for all to hear. How about you? Have you stopped to praise God for these same blessings? Are you singing to the audience or are you singing to the Lord?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your promise and assurance of covenant. May we sing Your praises as Mary did. Amen.
Those words from your friend are words I’ve always tried to live by. It’s really hard not to be self conscious when you’re singing, but when it’s a whole bunch of us singing to an audience of One, our whole lives begin to be put in proper perspective.
A great reminder as I seek to make my life a worship to God and not a worship to myself or others – “Sing to the Lord”!