The Magnificat Revolution – Mary and the Maccabees

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship explores the theme of revolution within the biblical narrative, emphasizing that the story of God is one of ongoing resistance against injustice and oppression. The speaker begins by noting that while the time of Hanukkah has arrived, its traditional focus on the Maccabees, who later became oppressive rulers, obscures the more profound message of the holiday: rededication and God’s grace amidst the world’s imperfections. The true essence of Hanukkah, and indeed the broader story of faith, is about God’s call for believers to be revolutionaries for His kingdom.

The speaker highlights Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), as a powerful expression of this revolutionary spirit. Mary’s song, sung after she learns she will bear the Messiah but before his birth, calls for significant societal changes. She is not alone in this cry for revolution; other figures in the Bible, such as Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea, Deborah the warrior judge, Hannah in her prayer, David in Psalm 82, the Maccabees in their revolt, and the singers of the Song of the Lamb in Revelation, all share this thread of encouraging faith, zeal, battle, and a turning of the world’s kingdoms towards God’s kingdom. However, this revolution will differ, ultimately replacing earthly empires with the singular kingdom of God.

To illustrate the context of Mary’s story, the speaker presents a modern-day analogy of a pregnant woman facing political turmoil and forced displacement. This scenario helps to grasp the immense stress and trauma Mary might have experienced, particularly considering the divine intervention surrounding Jesus’ conception. The question arises: where was God in such a chaotic and dangerous situation? The answer, the speaker suggests, lies in the fact that God was being carried and protected by Mary herself.

The arrival of God into the world through Jesus caused a disruption, and within this disruption, God created something new. The Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke place this story within the Roman Empire, where the Jewish people faced dehumanization. Mary, a young woman of humble social standing with limited agency, becomes central to this divine intervention. This highlights a key aspect of God as portrayed in the Bible, particularly through the prophets and stories like the Exodus and Hagar’s encounter in the wilderness: a God who liberates the oppressed, humbles the mighty, and dwells with the powerless. The speaker emphasizes that the context of Jesus’ birth was not a peaceful nativity scene but a world marked by war, oppression, slavery, injustice, and the death of children for the sake of power and profit. In this environment, Mary held the God of the cosmos in her arms.

Mary’s song in Luke 1 is not a passive acceptance but a powerful cry for revolution. It reveals her understanding that the future holds the righting of all wrongs, the wiping away of tears from the oppressed, the downfall of empires, and the rise of God’s kingdom. Revelation 12 further portrays Mary as a divine dragon warrior whose child, the king, strips Satan of his power at birth. Mary’s Magnificat, starting in Luke 1:46, expresses her glorification of the Lord and her joy in God her Savior. She recognizes God’s mindfulness of her humble state and declares that all generations will call her blessed because the Mighty One has done great things for her.

The song continues, proclaiming God’s mercy to those who fear Him, His mighty deeds that scatter the proud, His power to bring down rulers and lift up the humble, His provision for the hungry, and His dismissal of the rich. Mary’s song aligns her with figures like Deborah, whose song in Judges 5 celebrates the defeat of Israel’s enemies. The speaker points out the significance of Mary being called “blessed among women,” a phrase also used for Deborah, connecting her to the biblical theme of a woman crushing the source of evil, as prophesied in Genesis 3:15. Ignoring Mary’s pivotal role diminishes the richness of the biblical narrative, as she represents the fulfillment of Israel bringing forth the blessing of Abraham. Her song is a war cry announcing the imminent revolution and the arrival of the king of the resistance.

The child Mary carries is the king of a new world order, one where the powerful who believe themselves invincible will be humbled, and the oppressed will be elevated. This revolution goes beyond mere financial or political power; it targets the mindset of oppression, even in the hearts of those who may not hold significant worldly power. Those who harbor the same pride and disregard for others as the corrupt elites will also face exile from the new kingdom. Mary’s song is not a gentle hymn but a bold declaration of rebellion against the established order, a vision of God’s justice that inverts the world’s systems of power.

This theme of revolutionary change resonates throughout the Bible. Hannah’s prayer after the miraculous birth of her son Samuel echoes Mary’s sentiments, rejoicing in the Lord who breaks the bows of warriors, strengthens the weak, feeds the hungry, and lifts the poor. These songs signify that God is actively working out His plan and mission in the world. The speaker emphasizes that these are not mere children’s stories but raw and real accounts of God’s intervention against injustice.

The speaker calls attention to the prevalence of injustice in the world, from large-scale societal issues to personal micro-aggressions. Often, the tendency is to ignore these injustices. However, for believers, injustice is not a minor issue, as the very story of God and His people originates from oppression and the emergence of something new from it. The root of this problem lies in humanity’s desire for power and the determination of good and evil for oneself, which inevitably leads to conflict, violence, and division.

Becoming a believer in God and a follower of Jesus means joining a “religion of resistance fighters.” The speaker draws parallels to popular fictional narratives like Star Wars, The Hunger Games, Les Misérables, The Hobbit, and The Matrix, where audiences naturally empathize with the rebels fighting against evil empires. These stories tap into a primal human desire to recognize and fight against injustice, even when the odds seem insurmountable, driven by hope for a fairer and freer world for future generations.

Standing idly by in the face of injustice is not an option for a believer. Believers are called to actively resist and embody the spirit of revolution exemplified by Mary, Hannah, Deborah, Miriam, and the Maccabees. Deborah’s powerful statement in Judges 5:7, where she arises as a “mother of Israel” when few remained, highlights the active role individuals can play in God’s plan. The Maccabees’ actions to reclaim and rededicate the temple were also a form of revolution against oppression. This ongoing cry for hope and justice culminates in Mary, the “new mother of the resistance,” whose son, Jesus Christ (Yeshua Hamashiach), is the divine warrior who confronts and overcomes evil.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize Injustice: Be aware of and acknowledge instances of injustice in your community and the world.
• Empathy for the Oppressed: Cultivate empathy and understanding for those who are marginalized, silenced, or facing oppression.
• Speak Out: Do not remain silent in the face of injustice. Use your voice to advocate for those who have no voice.
• Challenge Systems: Identify and challenge unjust systems and structures, even in your own sphere of influence.
• Embrace Humility: Recognize your own potential for pride and oppression, and actively work against these tendencies in your heart.
• Act with Mercy and Grace: Engage with others, even those who may seem like enemies, with mercy and grace, reflecting the character of God.

References

• Luke 1
• Judges 5

Books and Resources

• The Bible by Various Authors