Mary’s Magnificat

Mary’s Magnificat

Luke 1:46-56

December 24, 2023

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Who loves their Apple iPhone/mac or I device? I am going to take this opportunity to single out Apple. Who loves their apple and is brave?

Okay, since you are an Apple lover, would you say that you know alot about your device? Would you say you know its operating system well? Would you say that you know, basically speaking, how Apple functions and works? You could almost say that you can get a feel for the culture of Apple. They have done a good job with their marketing to make the customer one of them and united with their products and vision for their interface.

But, how well do you really know Apple? I would think that if you know about your device then you should know the agreement you had to agree to in order to use it or even power it on. Be honest, did you read the terms and conditions for your use for you to use this device? I printed it up for your reference. I’ll even give you the hard copy and you can see what you did not read but yet agreed to in order to use its product.

Did you get a little uncomfortable? Yeah, I would be too. It’s okay, I can count on one hand how many people who actually read these small print documents. No one does. You know that Apple could literally put anything they want in this agreement and almost get away with it. You see, the fine print is where you really learn the heart and mind of the true owner. This is where you get the term, the “devil is in the details.”

In today’s message from Mary, we are going to turn that old adage around. We will redeem or change that old saying to “God is in the details.” Mary has a lot to teach us today about the true Christmas. Not the commercialized and pagan holiday that it has turned into. Today’s passage is what is called Mary’s Magnificat. Her words take the fine print and magnify it so that we get to look into the throne room of God. She magnifies the details so we can know who and what Christmas is really about.

It is my goal today that we see the message for what it was and is and respond just like her. I want us to take up where she left off and keep looking to God and get excited like she did.

But, before we can do this we need to review where we have been. Three weeks ago we covered the specific prophecies Christ was to fulfill and how the Christmas story was told specifically in the OT perfectly. Then, two weeks ago we looked at why God did Christmas. It was because of WHO He is that Christmas was what it is. Last week we looked at the message from Gabriel to Mary and how she responded. Today we will look at the details of Christmas but not like you would expect.

Usually, I save the main point and the action statement until the end in hopes that people remember it. But our passage today changed my mind. Today, I’m going to give it to you right up front.

1. EXALT IN YOUR GOD.

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord…”

In the NASB the word “Exalt” is used for magnifies. It is a unique word for us today in 2023. Exalt is defined in the dictionary as: “to raise up, especially in rank, power or dignity, or to glorify.

Biblically the words “Exalt” and “Magnifies” are used interchangeably here and it means “to leap up”. Think of something that makes you jump to your feet in respect and excitement. Think of something you value so greatly that you snap to a position of attention to it. Maybe a little real world example: How quickly do you run to get that phone when it rings, dings or vibrates?

Church, I am not immune to this but I find it interesting that the young girl from Nazareth has something to teach us about priorities. She had the most to have true Joy in.

Vs 47 “And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Look at how she worded this statement. “My spirit” Look at the small “s” there on the spirit. She recognized her lowly position and Luke, the author of the passage recognized what Mary was saying. She was saying that her lowly personal spirit in her was rejoicing over her coming Savior. Her spirit, that God gives, recognized the reason to have joy was not found in herself! It was found in what GOD was getting ready to do, or as God views it, already done from eternity past.

If I were to ask, what is the difference between Joy and Happiness, we may struggle to get this right. Happiness and Joy are NOT the same. They even can stand in opposition to each other, and happiness can even rob you of true joy. Is happiness wrong? No, as long as it is found in joy. Let me explain.

Happiness: a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable satisfaction. Biblically speaking, happiness is in response to what has happened to us from an outside source.

Joy: includes some similar descriptions except it includes a response to what God has done and who God is. Biblically, joy is in response to what God has done for the heart of the believer. This is why Mary can say, her spirit rejoices because it is in RESPONSE to what God has done.

Can happiness be a distraction to true joy? Yes! Joy can be had when someone is dying in a hospital bed. Joy can be had as loved ones sing hymns over the passing of a believer. Joy can be had in a prison cell when just one soul comes to know who their Savior is. Joy can be had when a parent witnesses the return of a prodigal son or daughter who returns with scars and wounds no parent can fix. Joy is found in deeper wells, darker corners, and lonely journeys. Its source is the knowledge of the greatest good, a knowledge of who God is!

Remember, Mary’s journey was not easy. She would and may at this point, be labeled an adulteress. She would be the one kicked out of society and viewed as the lowest part of society for having a baby without being married. Her life would be anything but “happy” but did she have joy? Just listen to her words. She was the definition of true joy!

How can she have such joy? Because of this one comment:

“God my savior”

Remember what we talked about last week? Mary was to be honored and blessed above all women but is NOT the source of redemption, salvation or anyone that God would share His glory with. Remember what Isaiah 42:8 said:

“I am the LORD; that is my name; My glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”

Meaning, that we do not pray to, petition to or trust in Mary. To do that makes her an idol. BUT, we can learn from her. We can see how to respond correctly to “GOD my savior”.

Those three words prove that she recognized that she NEEDED a savior. I.e.. She knew that she was a sinner needing salvation. She recognized that the baby coming was going to be the savior of the world, including her! And this knowledge proves that she recognized that God is worthy of our dependence.

Think of the word “savior”: soter or deliverer. The word screams desperation, exclusivity, and power of who was going to come from her in just a few short months. She recognized the importance of who He is and my question for us today is do we? Do we recognize and depend on the one who is strong enough, mighty enough, and worthy to be exalted in our lives ahead of literally every aspect of our lives? This gives us reason to exalt HIM.

2. The reason to exalt is HIM.

The greatest compliment one could say of me is “If Von is cut, he would bleed the Bible.” Now I doubt that any of my friends would ever say that of me. But it is a worthy goal of mine to get to that point. I would love the world around me to know that I live on, live through and live according to the Word of God. But, since I am not there yet, let’s look at someone who does.

There is a reason to have true Joy when you know Him like Maryt does. If you cut Mary, she bleeds God’s Word. She knows it better than we give her credit for. For being a young girl who, in many situations at this time would be lucky to know how to read, not only did she know her God, she KNEW His Word. Let me show you. These are direct cross-references in her magnificat:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, (1 Sam 2:1-10; Ps 34:2, 69:30)

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, (Ps 35:9, 106:21; Is 61:10; Heb 3:18,)

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. (1 Sam 1:11; Ps 138:6)

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; (Ps 72:17; Mal 3:12)

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, (Ps 89:8; Zeph 3:17; Ps 71:19; 126:2,3)

and holy is his name. (Ps 99:3, 111:9; Is 57:15)

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him (Deut 5:10; 7:9: Ps 89:1; 103:17)

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm; (Ps 89:10; 98:1; 118:16: Is 51:9)

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; (Dan 4:37)

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate; (Job 5:11; Ps 75:7; 107:40,41; 113:7,8; 147:6: Ez 21:26)

53 he has filled the hungry with good things, (Ps 34:10: 107:9)

and the rich he has sent away empty. (Job 22:9)

54 He has helped his servant Israel, (Is 44:21; 49:3)

in remembrance of his mercy, (Ps 98:3; Mic 7:20)

55 as he spoke to our fathers, (Gen 17:19; Ps 132:11)

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” [1]

Ladies and gentlemen, in nine short verses, Mary referenced no less than 42 specific verses in the OT. I didn't even write down the NT references because I got tired. In that short passage, we see someone who bleeds God’s Word. It is one thing to have all that in memory. Now, put it together in a passage and make it flow all the while making it trying to communicate a very clear message. Speaking as a public speaker, that is very hard to do! Mary was telling us, why we should be exalting HIM! She was telling us why we should be looking to HIM and why He is worthy of our praise.

The ability is unique to Mary though. Was she smart? Yes! Was she educated? Yes! Did she know the text? Yes! But, this passage goes beyond her intellectually knowing. This passage was written by the heart, not the pen. It was coming from a heart who knew who was coming and why with the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Did she know His fullness yet? No. Did she know He was going to walk on water? No, probably not. Did she question later exactly the how and the method? Yes. Later we learn just how human she was. But, Mary at this point when she was pregnant knew God and that was enough for her to Exalt in God and His plan for salvation. This was the reason for her excitement and joy!

For me, I get a bit jealous. I wish I could do what Mary did. I wish I could know Him more like she did. I find myself wanting to be closer to the knowledge of Him and what He really did here on Earth. Is it out of reach for us to get to the heart of Mary? The answer to that question belongs with the individual and God. Are you willing to draw closer to HIM? Do you want to be like Mary?

3. Exalt HIM to know HIM.

This is where I see the application for our passage today. Have you ever wondered how some people just have a better relationship with God than you? It just seems like they glow with the personal knowledge and presence of God. For me, I have a couple of people in my life that are like Mary. If they were to get a scratch, they would bleed out the knowledge and love of God. But, is that attainable?

Mary gives us some examples to help draw closer to HIM.

a. Recognize who He is: I know, shocking right? We must see that HE is the LORD. He is worthy to be praised. He is 100% Holy and righteous and over all and everything. I feel as if we can get so busy in life that we may be guilty of filing Him away like the elf on the shelf instead of making Him the center focus of our existence. When we do put HIM front and center, we will see immediate changes in our interactions with others and our desire for things of God. Most importantly we will desire for His Word.

b. Love His Word! The answers to tough questions are not found in spinning our wheels, worry and anxiety. The answers are in fact found in the pages of His Word. As soon as we come to that understanding, the world of wisdom is opened up. If you are struggling with conflict, Proverbs teaches how to handle that. If you are struggling with hate, the little book of Amos has something for you. If you struggle with being attached for your faith, read 2 Corinthians. If you are worried about God loving you, read 1 John. If you doubt God’s kindness, love and mercy, Psalms are written for your comfort. If you are worried about the future, read the Gospels. If you feel shame from guilt, read how God handles the humble in heart.

My desire for all of us is that we love His Word. Love the Him who the Word is about. Mary obviously loved His Word. She knew it, applied it and saw it being played out in the message from Gabriel, in the interaction with Elizabeth and soon, in a manger.

c. End Pride: Pride is a powerful opponent to knowing a God

James 4:4-7

4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.[2]

Nothing in Mary’s passage speaks of pride. Matter of fact, we see a reuse of a word from last week. Did you catch it? We studied it last week but I think it is helpful if we revisit it.

Vs 48 “for he has looked on the humble estate of His servant.”

“bondservant” or doule: Mary sets herself asside with one word. She is offering herself in complete surrender as the person with no right, no human claim to this plan. She is a slave to what God is going to do and is 100% good with it. Do you want to know who God is? It can’t be with us as the center of our universe. God has to be God, and we cannot be.

d. Fear Him: I know, not necessarily what you would think about when we are talking about Christmas but Mary said it and I think we need to look at what she is talking about.

Vs 50 “And His mercy is for those who fear Him.”

The word “fear” or phobeo: meaning (be afraid; be frightened; terrified). Unfortunately, even us Christians have forgotten a healthy balance of love and fear of the Lord. Mary understood that fearing the Lord is an important aspect of the believer. The fear that she is referring to is not respect. It is more specific than the word respect. Spiritual fear is understanding who He is. Not who we want Him to be. When we see Him as Mary presents Him, as David presents Him in the Psalms and how John presents Him in his gospel, we see that He is worthy of proper fear.

Look at vs 51. Mary says “He has shown strength with His arm; he has scattered the proud.”

Think of dominos thrown across the room with strength. God scatters by His strength. God’s sovereign strength will cast aside rulers and bring down those who oppose Him. His strength is unmatched along with the Love He has for the humble in heart. He is a God worthy of our fear while gentle enough to welcome the child in faith.

Vs 52: “He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate”. HE will bring down the strong and elevate the humble in heart!

Mary demonstrated no pride yet showed great knowledge of the Word, perfect fear and faith in God’s sovereign plan. The result is something all generations are blessed with.

Exalting God is completely foreign for a non-believer. But for the believer who is His Word, it flows from the inner parts. It flows to the surface for the world to see. It gushes out and the darkness of the world can not contain it. When God is lifted up, we see the immediate effects on the world around us.

When God is in His proper place in our lives, He shows Himself to be great and merciful. When God is in His place in the lives of the believers, the questions about our life comes into perspective. We stop asking the wrong questions and start asking for more of Him. The answer to “What am I going to do with my life” changes to “What is Your plan for my life, Lord?” Notice the second question has nothing to do with me. It is all Him, all His plan, and all to His Glory.

Unbeliever aside:

It seems crazy to put something other than yourself in the driver's seat. I get it. But, when you can see your life is not going the direction you expected and it seems like your sin is racking up debt faster than you can pay, you have to wonder, what's the answer? How can there be freedom from this shame? As I said earlier, there is a drastic difference between joy and happiness. You may be happy now, but how is your joy? I would argue, apart from the knowledge of being saved, there is no joy, only short term happiness.

The fact that you don’t have an answer for your sin is a heavy burden to carry, I know because I tried to carry my own. Jesus said, “come unto me, my burden is light.” Sin is a burden no man is strong enough to carry. Jesus, being completely innocent and completely perfect, came to pay the penalty of your sin and shame. God sent His Son as a payment for that sin when you could never pay it. He went to the Roman cross and willingly poured out His innocent blood to take the wrath of God intended for you and me. He took it, to afford us, sinners, access to freedom for the penalty of sin. He then took that perfect righteousness of Christ and placed it onto us.

Maybe today is your day. I am not asking you to have a head knowledge of these truths. I am asking you, have you had a heart knowledge of these truths? If you have yet to do that? Do it today! This is not just another church service. This is the day. This is the time. Answer your need for a savior. Now is the time!

Conclusion:

The small print is on display in Mary’s writings. She takes us, the reader, to the throne room of the Most High. We get the opportunity to see the heart of God (His attributes) and His plan for salvation. The small print may be overwhelming but when it comes from someone who knows it, it starts to make sense.

This is the story of Christmas church! This is the reason for the manager. This is the reason for Mary’s Magnificat. This is the reason for her joy. This should be the reason for our joy this season! Yes, the baby in the manger is great! But, it is only a snapshot in time of a much bigger message. The message of the savior of the world.

My charge today, exalt in your God, remember the reason to exalt Him, and finally, exalt Him and know Him more!