NOVEMBER 20: THE MAGNIFICAT

Among the Jewish people, it is seen that important events are kept, particularly pre-civilization through different media, particularly in song. Upon the Red Sea crossing, Moses and Miriam both sang the song, known as ‘The song of Moses’ (Exo 15:1-210. Upon the capture of the Jabin, King of Canaan and his military commander who with a mighty war chest terrorized and oppressed the children of Israel for twenty odd years, (Judges 4:2-5); Deborah, a prophetess and Judge led the onslaught against the mighty, humanly impregnable Army, defeating them. In appreciation, Deborah and Barak both sang the song, known as ‘The song of Deborah’ (Judges 5:1-31), praising God for the victory and giving vivid details of that war. This becomes part of the Jewish conquest of the land of Canaan as promised (Gen 17:7-8).

The Magnificat, which is the Latin word for “magnify”, is the canticle (hymn/chant) of Mary, under the inspiration of the holy spirit, after the annunciation (Luke 1:26-33 & 35-37) and the confirmation by visit to Elizabeth. The Sovereign power of God to turn human impossibilities to spiritual realities led Mary to burst out in song to Magnify God (Luke 1:46 and it would be apt to consider deeply, the content of this canticle.

Mary magnified God considering her lowly state: (Luke 1:4-8a) a poor working class (probably teenage) lady in a rustic, almost unknown village of Nazareth, where even in identical order, priests do not come from, least of all the Messiah! (John 1:46).

She also magnified God because she who was nothing would be celebrated by thousands of generations as “Blessed” (Luke 11:27; Luke 1:48b). It was indeed the rarest privilege to carry the Messiah: Jesus, The Christ in a human womb and to breastfeed Him1 (Luke 1:49). Many thanked the Lord and proclaimed that God did not come to the proud of this world, but to common people (Luke 1:51-53) not to the intelligent, but to simple hearted such that he could confound and shame the self-proclaimed intelligent (1Cor 1:26-31), so that all glory is ascribed to Him alone.

Lastly, she thanked the Lord for the fulfillment of prophesies by visiting His people according to the promise He made to Abraham 42 generations, almost 2000 years earlier! Jesus was the fulfillment of this seed line promise and so we can rely on the assurance of God’s promises too.

PRAYER: My soul magnifies you Lord this day, because with you, nothing is impossible. I rest upon this word today, asking that you consider my lowly state and grant me favor in my endeavors. I trust by faith that you will dethrone all mighty powers working against me as I wait on you by faith to fulfill your promises to me. Thank you, Jesus, for answered prayers.