Characters at the Cradle: Mary’s Magnificat, God Looked

by David Chadwick

Today we will focus on Luke 1:48-49, which says, “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

God looked at Mary. He saw her. But think about this for a moment. Mary spent her life looking to Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac. In turn, God looked to Mary to help him accomplish the greatest mission ever accomplished: the salvation of the world.

The gospel of Jesus is a “to you, through you” gospel. God did not just save us for eternity. He has invited us into a partnership with him to reveal his nature and character and to release the message of salvation to a dying and hurting world. We see this evidenced in Mary’s life.

Mary’s praise parallels Hannah’s similar hymn of praise in 1 Samuel 2:10 when Hannah learned that she was finally with child after years and years of waiting. In both situations, it appears that God “looked” and pursued these women to give birth to special people: Hannah to Samuel and Mary to Jesus.

God’s pursuit of us should prompt lives of praise. His love for us should build hearts of worship. Mary knew this. She understood the unworthiness of her life apart from her Creator. She knew that she was just an ordinary human, and she lived from that humble place. God’s greatest servants recognize that they are nothing great in the world’s eyes. This should serve as a reminder to all of us that God looks for availability more than ability.

Mary continued to be overwhelmed with praise as she realized future generations would look upon her life and call her blessed; that for all time people would know that she was the special vessel through whom God chose to reveal himself in human form.

From there, Mary’s praise extended beyond the impact that Jesus’s life would have on the physical world. She began to express profound magnification of the greatness of God. She had an eternal perspective. Mary was overwhelmed by God’s goodness and by his decision to choose her to bear, give birth to, and raise the Christ child. She could hardly believe this “great thing” God had done for her and for the world. She began to sing, “Holy is his name.” She knew the name of God was set apart. It was different from any other name.

The power of God, which would be displayed through the name of Jesus, would be totally perfect in every way.

For Jesus alone deserves all worship, all praise, and all glory!