The Luke Project Vol 1- The Gospel in SongParaugs

The Magnificat 1:46-56

Yesterday’s study ends with God reassuring Mary and strengthening her faith through Elizabeth. It’s no wonder Mary goes into this lovely song of praise and adoration of our mighty God. I often wonder as a songwriter, what these famous songs from scripture sounded like when they were written. I picture Mary glorifying God in a humble, reverent, contemplative tone, which is why I picked a slower tempo and a minor key mixed with some major chords. 

Whatever her song sounded like, it was certainly filled with honor and glory to God. Mary must have known scripture well, because her song of praise echoes with the sounds of psalms and of Hannah’s song (1 Sam. 2:1-10). Mary starts off with her soul exalting the Lord. The latin translation uses the word magnificat, meaning “magnifies the Lord,” making this commonly known as “The Magnificat.”  Psalms 34:3 and 99:5 both use similar phrases. 

Mary goes on to say that God has noticed her humble state as a bondslave. She recognizes generations to come will call her blessed. Mary is not boasting in herself here. She is simply acknowledging God’s good gift to her and boasting in His name and perfect plan. She recognizes the Mighty One has done incredible things for her by making her mother to the Messiah and calls Him Holy. 

Next, Mary shifts from the things God has done for her personally, to what He has done for others. He gives mercy to those who fear Him (Psalms 115:11-13, 147:11). He exalts the humble and brings low the proud. She starts this section by pointing to God’s might, “He has done mighty deeds with his arm.” It is only by God’s might that we receive mercy and that the humble are exalted. 

Mary points next to God’s rich provision for us. “He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed.” Not only does God care for all of our physical needs, but our spiritual needs and our eternity as well. I was once hungry for spiritual cleansing and salvation before I knew Jesus. Then He showered me with good things: mercy, grace, forgiveness. Later in Jesus’s  sermon on the mount, he says, “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.” But the rich have their comfort in this life (Luke 6:21, 24). 

Lastly, Mary points to the promises God has kept over the ages to His people. She speaks of the promise to Abraham to bless all the nations of the earth through his seed. Not one promise from God has failed (Joshua 21:45.) All have come to pass! Mary realized God keeps His promises and believed her Son would fulfill these promises. Let’s believe and praise God with Mary today. God’s word will not fail!