Let Us Rejoice Like Mary – Luke 1:46-47

One of the most resonating testimonies a Christian can share with the world is his reason for joy. Joy is supernatural, caused not by circumstances, but by the power of God. We are beginning a new series in Luke on the nature of the Christian’s joy by looking to the example of Mary, a young betrothed virgin who was told by an angel that she would bear the Messiah. As we imagine the events of this account, it is helpful to keep in mind that the author Luke was an exacting historian, who went to painstaking ends to provide an accurate and thorough account of Jesus Christ. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he wrote of events that were just as miraculous as they were true. Mary was in no easy situation, but she accepted it as the will of God and rejoiced.

How did Mary become so joyful? How come she did not complain and say, “Why me?” Would we be able to rejoice if we were in her position? One thing that is essential to note is Mary’s faith. From her first encounter with the angel, Mary surrendered to God’s Will. Furthermore, we see in Mary’s Magnificat that she was a young woman who was well versed in Scripture (her song of praise echoes Hannah’s prayer). Mary’s joy was not spontaneous- it was based on a faith that does not trust in oneself, but trusts in God, His Word, and His promises. The result of walking by faith will always be joy. If you have faith, then you are equipped to have joy.

Biblical joy is internal. Joy is not based on circumstances. It comes from within, so it can never be taken away. Joy is spiritual and internal. Since fallen man is dead in spirit, he must first be made alive in spirit in order to rejoice. Mary worshipped God in spirit, and with all her soul she exalted and magnified God.

Biblical joy and peace always go together. Mary was at peace because she accepted all that God offered through Jesus Christ. Man cannot have any peace without peace with God through Jesus. Joy brings assurance, because joy is a settle certainty that God is in control. Joy comes with contentment, because one who has Christ has everything. Mary needed Christ as her Savior, just as all men do. What is life, but to prepare for eternity? In Christ, we can have perfect contentment as we are at peace with God.

Our joy becomes our offering to God. Joy is more than being satisfied and happy- it is the act of worship. There can be no worship without joy, therefore, being joyless in a serious sin. Even if we had nothing in the world, God has given us a perfect reason to be joyful because of we are saved. You must remember that if you fail to rejoice in your salvation, nothing else will be able to give you joy.

What causes us to be joyless? Christians lose joy when they are not willing to forgive and be reconciled to their brother. If we have been forgiven by God, we must be quick to forgive our fellow brother. Being joyless indicates that you are not trusting God, but worshipping another idol. When you fail to rejoice in God, you will seek other ways to find joy. We must not lose our joy in Jesus Christ. Joy is a gift of God that becomes our offering and worship to Him. This is the theology of joy.