DECEMBER 22

SOUL & SPIRIT

LUKE 1:46-56


“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46-47)

Gabriel told Mary that her cousin Elisabeth was in the sixth month of a miraculous pregnancy, too. No doubt, Mary went to see her because she hoped Elisabeth might understand that she was pregnant without a physical relationship. Mary was bound to be apprehensive. How could she expect anyone to believe that she was pregnant without a sexual relationship? These verses reflect the absolute joy Mary felt when her cousin confirmed all that had happened before she told her anything.

Mary had already rejoiced in her spirit. She believed Gabriel and experienced the Holy Spirit overshadowing her and conceiving Jesus. Now she rejoiced with her soul, too. This is very important!

Sometimes you’ll hear people criticize others for their outward display of emotion toward the Lord, saying, “They aren’t in the Spirit.” The truth is that rejoicing in the spirit and rejoicing in the soul are two different things. Our born-again spirits always have the fruit of joy in them, but our souls only rejoice at times, as we choose. The Holy Spirit has released joy into our spirits and the rejoicing of our souls is our choice.

The whole concept of being under the control of the Holy Spirit when we dance, lift our hands, or speak in tongues has kept many people from doing these things. Actually, our spirits are always rejoicing, and we can praise the Lord with our souls and bodies when and as we will.

Follow the lead of your spirit today, and rejoice with your soul too! (AW)