Today's Reading: Luke 1:46-56 

Devo Author: Seth Primm

Date: December 15, 2022

Have you ever felt unnoticed? Maybe you’ve even felt unnoticeable—like there’s nothing particularly special about you or you lack a certain charisma that would cause people to take notice of you. As I read Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1, I wonder if she had ever felt that way. I know I have.

When I left for college, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up. All I knew at the time was that I loved music and wanted my life to have meaning and purpose in God’s Kingdom. I grew up in south Arkansas, and my love for God and music was born and bred in the pews of small churches across south Arkansas and northern Louisiana, tagging along with my dad as he sang with a southern gospel quartet. From an early age, I was mesmerized by the arrangement of the harmonies and somewhat fearfully drawn toward the stage. I knew at some level, I wanted to be like my dad when I grew up.

When I arrived at John Brown University and began attending chapel, I encountered a genre of church music that not only stirred my creative, musical side but also deeply connected with my heart. But, as I began to express interest in participating in the worship ministry, I encountered resistance. There was a small group of students who planned and facilitated the music for chapel, and, though I was acquainted with them, no invitation to participate was extended. I felt overlooked and remained on the outside looking in for a long time. I deeply desired to be invited in and given a chance to contribute. I longed to belong—to be seen and known and valued in that little community.

Returning to the passage, I’m struck by Mary’s joy over being noticed and included. Her spirit rejoiced “for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (48). She goes on to speak of how God notices, includes, and exalts the humble, poor, and hungry. This is an important aspect of the good news of the Gospel: unlike the exclusivity of the kingdoms of man, God’s invitation to life with Him in His kingdom is extended to everyone! You and I are included in that invitation. If you feel overlooked, know God notices you. He sees you, knows you, and values you. And He desires your presence. Not only that, He wants to work through you in such a way that your life is filled to overflowing and impacts the world around you for good.

A year after graduating from college, I began serving on the worship team at Fellowship. From my first interaction with the church, I felt seen and welcomed. It’s been almost 20 years since that initial welcome into the Fellowship family, and my spirit rejoices as I reflect on the kindness of God to take notice of me, welcome me into His family, and give me a role utilizing the gifts and passions He’s given me in His kingdom-work.

Think for a moment of the incredible, history-altering role Mary was privileged to play in the story of God. She welcomed the Savior of the world into the time and space He created. An otherwise unremarkable person was noticed and invited into the most remarkable story by its Author. In the very same way, God is mindful of you and me. We each have a place in His family and a unique role to play in bringing God’s love into His world.