Mary's & Zechariah's Songs (Luke 1)

Is it wrong to have church songs with lyrics about I, me and my as some believe? What about Mary’s Song? When Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, did he speak in tongues or prophesy? Can even righteous people like Zechariah have doubts and others like Mary simply believe? Let’s continue in Luke 1.

Why was Mary blessed and Zechariah made mute? Do we believe or doubt? Let’s begin with Mary and Elizabeth’s greetings.

Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” (Luke 1:43-45 NLT)

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

Is there room for Christian music about I, me, and my? This is often called the Song of Mary or the Magnificat from the Latin word for “magnifies.”

Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, for he has looked at the humble state 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. Holy is his name. (Luke 1:46-49 WEB)

Does the remainder of the Magnificat focus more on others?

He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.” (Luke 1:50-55 CEB)

When John was born, did Zechariah back up his wife’s words? Did his speech return?

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months. Then she went back home. When Elizabeth's son was born, her neighbors and relatives heard how kind the Lord had been to her, and they too were glad. Eight days later they did for the child what the Law of Moses commands. They were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John.” The people argued, “No one in your family has ever been named John.” So they motioned to Zechariah to find out what he wanted to name his son. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed. At once, Zechariah started speaking and praising God. (Luke 1:56-64 CEV)

What happened with the news of these marvelous events?

And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. (Luke 1:65-66 ESV)

Praise the Lord

When Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, did he speak in tongues or prophesy? This is sometimes called the Song of Zechariah or the Benedictus from the Latin word for “praise.”

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and provided redemption for His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets in ancient times; salvation from our enemies and from the clutches of those who hate us. He has dealt mercifully with our fathers and remembered His holy covenant—the oath that He swore to our father Abraham. (Luke 1:67-73a HCSB)

What would John become and for whom would he prepare the way?

He granted us deliverance from our enemies’ grip so that we could serve him without fear and be holy and righteous before him all of our days. And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, because you will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his way and to give his people knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of the tender mercy of our God, his light from on high has visited us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and in death’s shadow, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:73b-79 ISV)

Where did John the Baptist live during his childhood years?

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. (Luke 1:80 KJV)

Is it wrong to have church songs with lyrics about I, me and my as some believe? What about Mary’s Song? When Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, did he speak in tongues or prophesy? Can even righteous people like Zechariah have doubts and others like Mary simply believe? You decide!