+DEV+ Magnify Him!

Date: December 12, 2011 10:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Magnify Him!

Magnify Him!

"For the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation" (Luke 1:49-50).
Scripture Focus: Luke 1: 46-55

Unmarried and pregnant, Mary would be scorned by many a townsperson skeptical of her story. Extreme consequences were due, according to Jewish law. But her hymn, the Magnificat, sings joy and confidence in God. Nearly every line comes from the ancient Scriptures. While magnifying her Lord from the very depths of her soul, she drew the glory away from herself and onto the God of her fathers who was setting in motion His promised redemption plan. Mary's words began in present tense, but moved to past tense as she spoke of how God already had lifted the lowly and turned sorrow to joy. Why would she proclaim this while cruel Herod still terrorized God's people?

Mary knew God would see His plan to the end. She spoke with such certainty that it was as if it were already so. Anchored in His constancy, she knew the God Whose words came for centuries through the prophets, but Whose Word now was His Son, and - wonder of wonders! - her Son. Jesus is God's last and best Word. Know Him; magnify Him.

Insight: Anchor yourself in the unchanging God whose great "Christmas gift" - salvation through Jesus - will change your heart more and more each day.