Topic: MARY’S SONG OF PRAISE (THE MAGNIFICAT)
Text: Luke 1:39-55
1:39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah,
1:40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
1:41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
1:42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
1::43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
1:44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
1:45 Blessed is she who [a]believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
1:46 And Mary said: “My soul [b]magnifies the Lord,
1:47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
1:48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
1:49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
1:50And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
1:51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
1:52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.
1:53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.
1:54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,
1:55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”
STUDY:
The words of this hymn of praise were first uttered by Mary, the mother of Jesus, after she learnt that she would conceive the Son of God, is one of the most profound and poetic passages in the New Testament. The text reflects both Mary’s personal experience, and God’s justice and mercy. The Magnificat occurred in the course of Mary’s visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. Giving her personal testimony, Mary praised God for the honour bestowed upon her (vv. 46-49). She was indeed humbled and never considered herself deserving, though she was a virgin. Acknowledging her humble status, she said, “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant.” In the 2nd part, she highlighted God’s commitment to the course of the humble and His faithfulness to the covenant He made with Israel. Mary’s song revealed her knowledge of God’s promises about the Messiah as well as His relationship with Israel.
It is important for us, as believers, to have knowledge of all scriptural prophecies and the message of the gospel; so that we can fully appreciate God’s timing and manifestations. It is also critical that we understand that we are not always deserving of God’s visitations; and that we have received grace because His mercies found us (Rom. 9:16). This truth takes away ingratitude.
Prayer:
Lord, at all times in my life, help me to raise a song of gratitude to You, for your mercies and grace. Amen.
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