Week 1: Mary heard the voice of an angel. Week 2: Mary heard the voice of a relative. Week 3: Mary heard the voice of a man of God.
Luke 1:39-56 (ESV) 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat 46 And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on 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 for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 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 offspring forever. 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
I Know, It Makes Me Want To Leap and Sing Too!
The setting of The Magnificat
1. Mary likely was seeking some type of reassurance after Gabriel s visit. Mary arose and went with haste - v: 39 Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment - 45
2. The Holy Spirit was present throughout their time together. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry - v: 41b, 42a
3. Sharing our deepest vision and dream with a trusted friend is often crucial. A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17
The Magnificat: An outline for worship holding the elements of praise:
1. Mary s spontaneous praise sprung from a heart of humility. 46 And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
Psalm 138:5-6 (NIV) 5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. 6 Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.
Psalm 149:4-5 (NIV) 4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. 5 Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
2. Mary recognized the long-term impact of her life. 48b For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
Psalm 78:5-6(ESV) 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,
3. Mary acknowledged the personal blessing of God. 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
Psalm 118:19-21 (ESV) 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
4. Mary acknowledged the widespread yet exclusive blessing of God. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
Psalm 34:9 (NIV) 9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. Ephesians 1:3 (ESV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
5. Mary acknowledged the character (justice) of God. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
Psalm 145:9 (NIV) 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 135:3 (NIV) 3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
6. Mary acknowledged God s proven promises. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.
Psalm 119:140 (NIV) 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
The outline of my Magnificat: 1. May my spontaneous praise spring from a heart of humility. 2. May I recognize the multigenerational effect of my life. 3. May I acknowledge the personal blessing of God. 4. May I acknowledge the widespread yet exclusive blessing of God. 5. May I acknowledge the character of God. 6. May I acknowledge God s proven promises.
I Know, It Makes Me Want To Leap and Sing Too!