Luke 1:46-55

All the promises of  God are yes and amen!

Praise His holy name!

Jesus echoed what we've learned today during His time on earth. He held fast to God's desire for the slower rhythms. Though He drew a crowd, His heart was also drawn to individual connection. He rose early to lovingly linger with His Father in prayer. He sought out opportunities to slow down and notice hurting individuals. He longed for intimate conversation with those closest to Him while enjoying long suppers. First 5

Here’s the good news… When I look past my labels and see the sacred in the mystifying, the puzzling, the messy, the unruly and the meager, it is to the pure nourishment to my heart. Sabbath Moments

What you want costs far more than what you can pay. You do not need a system, you need a Savior. You do not need a resume, you need a Redeemer. For “what is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Don’t miss the thrust of this verse: You cannot save yourself. Not through the right rituals, right doctrine, or right devotion. You see, it wasn’t the money that hindered the rich man; it was the self-sufficiency. Max Lucado

Luke 1:46-55

46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth 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 on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” The New King James Version

Known as the Magnificat, Mary’s song marks the first of four hymns in Luke’s birth narratives. It is styled after Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.

In contrast to Zechariah, Mary believed Gabriel’s words.

Like Hannah, Mary praises God’s attributes by using names that reflect His character.  Both Mary and Hannah renounce the arrogance of the proud who make themselves enemies of God. Both Mary’s and Hannah’s songs describe a reversal of fortunes: The lowly are exalted, while the exalted (or haughty) are brought low. It expresses God’s gracious provision for the lowly. 

In fulfillment of Yahweh’s proclamation to Abraham, Mary’s son was to be a channel of blessing and salvation to the nation of Israel. Faithlife Study Bible

The hymn gets its name, the “Magnificat,” from the Latin word for magnifies. Mary’s hymn is a recital of what God had done for her and for others in the past. 

Henceforth means “from now on.” Things would never be the same again. Mary went from being a poor unknown Hebrew girl to the most honored woman in the history of the world. 

God is One who protects and fights for His children. God is unique and set apart from all other beings. 

The term mercy expresses the OT concept of God’s loyal, gracious, faithful love (see Psalm 103). God’s mercy comes to those who look respectfully to Him.

These verses portray a “reversal” in the end times, when those who have abused power will be judged and those who have suffered persecution will be exalted. God’s strength with His arm figuratively describes His activity and power as Savior of His people. 

The idea of Israel as God’s servant is found frequently in the Book of Isaiah. Israel has a special role in serving God and revealing Him. God’s actions in the life of Mary were based on commitments He made centuries before. The NKJV Study Bible

Mary, animated by Elisabeth’s address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Samuel 2:1 

And Hannah prayed and said:“My heart rejoices in the LORD;

My horn is exalted in the LORD.

I smile at my enemies,

Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

1 Samuel 2:2 

“No one is holy like the LORD,

For there is none besides You,

Nor is there any rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:7 

The LORD makes poor and makes rich;

He brings low and lifts up.

1 Samuel 2:8 

He raises the poor from the dust

And lifts the beggar from the ash heap,

To set them among princes

And make them inherit the throne of glory.

“For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,

And He has set the world upon them.