In Luke 1:51-55 Mary breaks out in worship declaring all the wonderful things God has done. Verses 51-44 each begin with “He has…” because in each verse she worshipfully declares something great He (God) has done. This is actually why this section of Scripture is called The Magnificat, which is Latin for “My soul magnifies.” In these verses Mary’s soul worshipfully magnifies the greatness and glory of God. In worship she proclaims, “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” This is Mary’s response to God inviting her to participate in his wonderful plan of salvation – she worships! She’s honored and overwhelmed and thankful all at the same time, and her gratitude just wells up within her until she bursts forth with praise!
When I think about how my two best friends growing up have become my brother in laws, and co-founders of the church – and how all our kids are now best friends (as we were growing up) – and how we’re using our lives to point people to Jesus – it’s hard not to well up with gratitude and worship!
When we surrender to God, we must do so joyfully and humbly, we must do so expectantly and fearfully. But let us not forget the great privilege it is to be called by God to partner with him in helping people come to know Jesus. Let us never forget that of all the ways we’re to surrender to God’s will, we must never fail to surrender to God’s will worshipfully! Mary had an attitude of gratitude that God had called her into his service. Well, the same is true of each one of us, so we ought to have that same attitude of gratitude that she had!!!!