KNOWING GOD – THE GOD OF MIRACLES – Lesson One
Text: Luke 1:46-55 – “Mary’s Song” (The Magnificat).
46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me–holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
“Mary’s Song” was in response to the announcement of the “miracle of the Incarnation,” as had been prophesied: Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
V.46-47 – Old Testament parallel passages:
1 Samuel 2:1 – Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.
Then – This was as a result of the “truth” of Proverbs 15:33 – The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Note 1 Samuel 1:9-18 – 9Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s temple. 10In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
12As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14and said to her, “How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine.”
15“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
17Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
18She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
Psalm 34:1-3 – I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
V.1 – at all times – Example: Habakkuk 3:17-19 – 17Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.
V.19 – The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Parallel passage: 2 Samuel 22:33-34 – 33It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 34He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. (Also Psalm 18:32-33.)
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. Refer to title of Psalm 4:
Psalm 4:1 – For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
See Psalm 4. (V.3 – Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself – This was the case with Mary.)
General Application: Let us thank the GOD OF MIRACLES for the provision of “new strength” and “wisdom” from this lesson. Psalm 19:7 (GNT) – The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the Lord are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it.
Also, let us ask Him to help us to obey: Deuteronomy 32:3 – I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
Psalm 104:33-34 – 33I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 34May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!