Mary’s song is almost entirely quotations from the Old Testament. “The song of Mary marks the transition from Old Testament to New Testament praise” (Pulpit Commentary, 17).
MARY HAS THE PROPER PRIORITIES (1:46-47):
One purpose of worship is exalting God – Acts 10:46. When people repent, they magnify the name of God (Acts 19:17). We can even magnify God through our lives – Philip. 1:20.
“God my Savior” – most passages in the NT depict Jesus as the Savior but some, like this one, show God as Savior since the Godhead worked together to bring about our salvation. But while the idea of “God my Savior” is personal, Mary has in mind the salvation of her whole people.
REASONS FOR HER EXALTATION OF GOD (1.48-49):
Verse 48 begins with the conjunction “for”, signaling the reasons for Mary’s praise. One reason is found in verse 48 – “He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;” for which she explains: “for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.”
How was Mary blessed?
- Her pregnancy was unique.
- Her pregnancy filled her heart with joy.
- Her pregnancy gave her a tremendous responsibility.
- Her pregnancy would give her an honorable immortality.
- Her pregnancy will elevate her beyond her current state.
Another reason Mary exalts God is found in verse 49: “for the Mighty One has done great things for me.”
THE MERCY OF GOD AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE HUMBLE (1:50-53):
With God’s mighty arm, He has done several things about which Mary sings:
- Verse 51 – He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
- Verse 52 – He has brought down rulers from their thrones.
- Verse 52 – He has exalted those who were humble.
- Verse 53 – He has filled the hungry with good things and sent away the rich empty-handed.
THE FOUNDATION OF MARY’S CONFIDENCE (1.54-55):
Throughout these words of Mary, we see the source of her confidence: the power of God (vs 49, 51), His divine holiness (ver. 49, 51-52), His divine mercy (ver. 50), His divine faithfulness (ver. 53-55) and we see all these fulfilled, brought to earth, in the coming of the Son of the Most High, the Son of God – Jesus Christ.
Embrace God’s plan for your life.
Paul Holland
