1. The Magnificence of God’s Praise
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:46-47 (ESV)
We magnify or enlarge God when we take into our thinking some new aspect of His greatness.
My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Psalm 108:1 (ESV)
2. The Magnificence of God’s Plan
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. Luke 1:48-50 (ESV)
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-33 (ESV)
Mary did not dwell on her own happy circumstances but rejoiced in the being and character of God.
3. The Magnificence of God’s Power
51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; Luke 1:52 (ESV)
God will humble the pride of intellect, the pride of position, and the pride of wealth.
37 . . . and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:37 (ESV)
4. The Magnificence of God’s Provision
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. Luke 1:53 (ESV)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux:
We taste Thee, O Thou living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill.
5. The Magnificence of God’s Prophecy
54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:54-55 (ESV)
God fulfills his promises of mercy.