46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home (Luke 1:46-56).
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met: a president, governor, celebrity, television personality, author, or maybe a sports figure? I’ve met many famous people in my life and have admired their drive and passion to succeed. I’ve had them sign books, pictures, and college flags. I’ve followed their careers and advancement. However, there is one thing that is always true. They are just people. I don’t make light of their success, but they are just people. When you ask people whom they admire most or who has made the biggest impact on their lives, you will receive varied responses. But, if you asked Mary, the mother of Jesus, she would respond quite differently. She knew God. He was the one she admired most.
When we realize our desperate hopelessness, God’s grace becomes even more significant. When we have a clear picture of God’s grace, we worship Him the most. So, why do we struggle to worship God every day? I believe the answer is simple. We fail to remember we are desperately hopeless without God. Why? Because we have been trained to believe that we are somehow self-sufficient and God is only there when we get into a crisis or have some immediate and impending disaster shadowing over our lives. This is not true. Mary realized her hopelessness and her humble means. Mary understood that God was her help and hope. Mary grasped God’s grace as he freely extended it to her. Her response was worship.
Here is what Mary understood:
- Mary understood her humble estate (v.48)
- Mary understood she was his servant (v.48)
- She understood the gravity of God’s promise (vv.48b-49a)
- She understood God was mighty (v.49)
- She understood God’s name was holy (v.49)
- She understood God’s mercy (v.50)
- She understood God’s strength (vv.51-52)
- She understood God’s providence (v.53)
- She understood God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus (vv.54-55)
What was her response? Here response was worship. Her soul experienced immeasurable joy. She offered praise to God for His presence in her life. What about us? Christmas is getting closer and more and more gifts are flying off the shelves. Every day is a little busier. We have more and more Christmas parties and events. Why don’t we just slow down a little and contemplate the same things Mary did as she worshiped the Lord. As we do, I’m sure that we will experience the same joy that she did as she magnified and worshiped Him.