Anthem of Praise

46 And Mary said: “My soul [magnifies] the Lord 47 and

my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has been

mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on

all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty

One has done great things for me — holy is his name.

Luke 1:46-55

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from

generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty

deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are

proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down

rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

Luke 1:46-55

53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent

the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his

descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s song is a scripture song

The songs of the church must be filled with words from scripture

We are not called to be microscopes. We are called to be telescopes.

(John Piper on “Magnifying God”)

1) Magnify Him for His Mindfulness(vs. 46-48a)

46 “My soul [magnifies] the Lord 47 and my spirit

rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has been

mindful of the humble state of his servant.

Luke 1:46-48a

A) God is mindful of us regardless of our age

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

(Psalm 8:4)

“How precious to me are your thoughts God! How vast the sum of them! Were I to count

them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.”

(Psalm 139:17-18)

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you

flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He can live

anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not

to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you.

(Max Lucado)

B) God is mindful of us regardless of our situation

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

(Luke 1:38)

This same Jesus that once took residence in Mary womb is the very same Jesus that now

abides in our hearts today

2) Magnify Him for His Might(vs. 48b-53)

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for

the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his

name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from

generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty

deeds with his arm.

Luke 1:48b-53

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has

lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with

good things but has sent the rich away empty.

Luke 1:48b-53

A) We magnify God for who He is

Jesus’ existence did not begin in Bethlehem, but began in eternity

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his

shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6)

The world is an arena where God makes grand displays of His might

God is not an apolitical God, He is very engaged in politics

God is not a uncompassionate God, He is very engaged in matters of justice

B) We magnify God for what He has done

Your life is an arena where God makes grand displays of His might

“The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most

High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

(Luke 1:35)

“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.”

(Psalm 34:1-3, NKJV)

3) Magnify Him for His Mercy(vs. 54-55)

54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be

merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just

as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:54-55

God’s grace comes from the kindness of God, it is a response motivated by His love

God’s mercy comes from the justice of God, it is a response motivated by His holiness

“His mercies are new every morning”

(Lamentations 3:23)