What Did Mary Say?

The Magnificat occupies vv. 46-55

We’ll not fully analyze it…we could spend hours

The fullest examination would require a comparison with another prayer of another young woman—Hannah—we could look to her prayer in 1 Sam. 2 and run the similarities—if you’re interested in a self-study project, that would be a great one

Some use it as an excuse for what is called “liberation theology” a revolutionary text; a full perversion of the intent of the text—we’ll merely mention that, not examine it

Others look upon this as a somewhat self-aggrandizing statement, and use it, along with the words of Gabriel and Elizabeth, to justify what has become misguided worship, and the development of a false doctrine: turning Mary into things she was NOT

We would be denying reality if we did not mention the veneration of Mary prevalent among our RC friends

This is not an attack—merely a setting out of the facts—and removing the legends that have been build up

…no one can deny the beauty of the song Ave Maria—Hail Mary—but since few of us understand Latin, all but the tune and the opening words go unnoticed by most

It is merely a musical version of the Rosary—which elevates Mary to the position of a co-redemtrix with Jesus…an intercessor…this contrary to Scripture

1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

Mary was indeed special, but only because God chose her for the specific task at hand—not for any reason of her own worth, or her ancestry, and not because she would occupy any special position in Heaven

We have looked at what the Angel Gabriel said, what her relative Elizabeth said—under the influence of Holy Spirit—and now we look at what Mary herself said

In context this is a hymn of praise to the God who chose Mary and made redemption possible…and then brought it about

…and it is this aspect we examine this morning…all glory being giving to God

We’ll look at what Mary said about herself, what she said about God’s character, and what she said about God’s promises

Statements about Herself

Mary’s soul magnifies the Lord—He is worthy of worship

Her spirit rejoices in God her Savior

Salvation is, was, and remains within the providence and purview of God

There has always been the truth from Hebrews 11 6

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

He provided the means and the methodology in the times before Jesus; made it clear and unequivocal with the arrival of Christ

Her soul magnifies—the eternal portion of her being

Her spirit—the innermost part of her earthly, physical being,

It is because of His work that she will be recognized—rightfully so—as having been blessed; all about what HE has done FOR or TO her—not about how good, or how deserving she was

A couple words from v. 48 deserve a quick dive

The humble estate of Mary—the humility of her being—totally agrees with her attitude of submission in last week’s message, a servant in proper relation to her master

Blessed is also worth a look; not the word I thought I’d find, rather the word that at its root means happy or happiness—it underlies our Makarina!

Same word as used as blessed in the beatitudes

He (God) has done great things for her... It’s truly about God…not about her…even from her own perspective

It is God and God alone who had brought about the situation she is now in

Statements about God’s Character

In this context we sort of blend character with actions

Note that He is mighty—dunatos—of similar origin of dunamis; we get our term dynamite from this; it expresses power; a power that is under control—not an explosive, uncontrolled power

His name is holy—There’s a reminder in here to not use His name irreverently; not to take it in vain

Our understanding of that concept may be a bit flawed, at least short-sighted

Yes, it involves invoking God’s name…or even the term GOD itself, it also includes using it in places/ways it ought not be used; e.g., God told me to…, when the action is against the Word of God

His mercy is to those who fear him; likely a reference to the many places in the Psalms where it is plain that “His mercy—steadfast love—endures for ever”; the generational aspect is seen throughout history—even just her own ancestry

The Arm of the Lord was a common expression of His ability to fight the peoples’ battles—an anthropomorphism, surely, but an image of a strong warrior who brought down the mighty and exalted the lowly (we could think of David)

The mighty arm of the LORD in the OT, brought about victories in battle where the LORD’s people were substantially outnumbered and overpowered; it even caused an enemy force to flee in fear without a single casualty to God’s people—too many cases to cite

Often, these armies were those of proud kings, composed of proud warriors…humbled by the arm of the LORD; thus bringing down mighty and powerful, elevating His own people

Statements about God’s Promises

These in vv. 54 & 55

We had mentioned the “servant Israel” concept in passing with a reference to Isaiah 40-41, when we preached on 42:1-4 a couple weeks back, the first of the “servant songs” looking forward to Christ

We see within this the fact that Israel would be a blessing to all the nations

We also see the blessings God had promised to His servant Abraham in Gen 12 3

Genesis 12:3 ESV

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

This was ultimately brought to fruition in Jesus Christ who brought salvation to all nations

Born of Jewish mother, into a Jewish culture, brought into public view among a Jewish society…but John 1 11

John 1:11 ESV

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

It is this coming we celebrate now

This wonderful gift was then brought out to the world

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Our Reactions to Her Statements

Is Life all about God, or about Us?

Mary was blessed greatly—but saw it as all for the purposes of extending God’s Glory

What Is our Understanding of God’s Character?

Here is where a lot of folks get tangled up

They misread—either by ignorance or intention—the Word of God

Examples:

“God made me this way, I’m going to live this way”

“I think God understands my intentions....”

“A loving God would never send anyone to Hell”

“I don’t think the Bible applies today on that matter”

All this goes back to making God’s Word about us, not Him

What Are We Doing with His Promises?

Here’s the big one: 1 John 1 9

1 John 1:9 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

He promises that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved