The Song (“Magnificent”) of Mary Luke 1:46-56

            This young virgin received the news from an angel of God that she would be the mother of the Son of God. With that news in her heart, she breaks out into a song. It is almost entirely quotations from the Old Testament.

 

MARY HAS THE PROPER PRIORITIES (1:46-47):

            One purpose of worship is exalting God – Acts 10:46. When people repent, they magnify the name of God (Acts 19:17). We can even magnify God through our lives – Philip. 1:20.

            Verse 47 parallels verse 46 – “my spirit has rejoiced” is the way in which “my soul exalts the Lord.”

 

REASONS FOR HER EXALTATION OF GOD (1.48-49):

            Verse 48 begins with the conjunction “for”, signaling the reasons for Mary’s praise. One reason is found in verse 48 – “He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;” for which she explains: “for behold, this time on all generations will count me blessed.”

Another reason Mary exalts God is found in verse 49: “for the Mighty One has done great things for me.” The expression “great things” is a phrase from the OT that referred especially to the exodus from Egypt – Deut. 10:21.

 

THE MERCY OF GOD AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE HUMBLE (1:50-53):

            In verse 50, Mary moves beyond herself. Perhaps she may not realize just what it meant for Jesus to be the “Savior” of the world but she knows this blessing on her is for other people as well.

            And notice what type of people experience the “mercy” of God. – “Toward those who fear him.”  God’s mercy is His faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

 

THE FOUNDATION OF MARY’S CONFIDENCE (1.54-55):

            Mary associates her blessing with that of her people, Israel. “He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy…” How? Verse 55 – “As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” So the promise to Abraham is being fulfilled now in the life of Mary. God keeps His promises.

 

            Let us embrace God’s will for our lives and live accordingly.

 

–Paul Holland

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