“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him. He hath showed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath put down princes from their thrones And hath exalted them of low degree. The hungry he hath filled with good things, And the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath given help to Israel his servant, That he might remember mercy (As he spake unto our fathers) Toward Abraham and his seed forever.” Luke 1:46-55
Mary’s Role Given by the Lord
Mary was a woman chosen by God for a particular purpose. The angel Gabriel revealed the message that she was highly favored and the Lord was with her (Lk 1:28). She was so favored of God that she was given the task of carrying the child who would be called the Son of the Most High (Lk 1:32). One might say if there was ever a woman who could have boasted in her qualifications it was Mary, but Mary never sought praise. Mary never sought worship. Mary never sought prayers made to her or through her. Mary was a mere woman willing to walk faithfully with the Lord. Mary is just another example of a child of God who sought to magnify Jehovah.
Mary’s Joy was Caused by the Lord
After Mary was told of the great news that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her (Lk 1:36), she was informed that Elizabeth her relative was also pregnant. Mary made her way to Elizabeth, and the babe in the womb of Elizabeth, who would be called John, leapt in her womb for joy when Mary’s voice was heard (Lk 1:44). Elizabeth recounted how blessed Mary was. How Mary responded in such a beautiful way gives an example of humility in the midst of blessing.
Mary’s Song Magnified the Lord
“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” Mary could have given herself credit. She could have said my soul is so blessed, or it’s because of who I am. Certainly, there must have been other faithful virgins betrothed to godly men. Mary displayed the great humility that is characteristic of all the faithful. The song she spoke is how songs of praise must be. Her song was with a purpose to enlarge the name of Jehovah so the motive of worship was right. She extolled the work of the Lord by declaring His wondrous works on behalf of His people. She declared things that were true and consistent with the character of God.
What Kind of Song are You Singing for the Lord?
When we assemble to worship on the first day of the week, may we ever look to do as the Lord has commanded (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). When we come together, we must focus on the words we sing and ask: Does this magnify the Lord? Does this song make His name great or is it about me? Am I singing of His mercy, grace, strength, and deliverance, or is my heart concerned with other things that are irreverent of the worship we offer? We have a role in worship as we sing (to teach and admonish one another). We sing out of our joy for what the Lord has done, and we offer up the praises that stem from that love and joy to Him. What song will you sing today? Will your heart overflow with praise without distractions or without contributing to distractions? Will your soul magnify the Lord today?
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
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