Epaggelia

v46-47. The basis of Mary’s heart-felt reaction in meeting Elizabeth was her faith in God’s word from an angel. This song of Mary, is similar to the song of Hannah in 1st Samuel 2:1-10. “Magnify” in the greek language is megalunō – “to enlarge something or someone”. Rejoice in greek is agalliaō – “to jump for joy”. So this picture is saying that Mary sang, to make God look great big in her happiness. God’s word to Mary was a promise, and when she met Elizabeth, she saw evidence which assured her of things unseen & a conviction of her hope in the promise of God’s word, see Hebrews 11:1. Her reaction in singing was not because of the angel’s voice in Nazareth, or the trip to Judea, or from Joseph’s love, but actually in her meeting with Elizabeth. Because Elizabeth was already 6 months pregnant, telling her about John (a fetus) leaping within her womb. Assuring Mary that God was big enough to handle any problem the fulfilment of her promise might present.

v48, To be referred to as “blessed” (makarizo) is to be regarded with great respect. This regard does not entail love. Mary is honored but she is not worshiped. Love is the difference. This is not the usual word for ‘blessed’ (makarios) that Jesus uses in the beatitudes. So this prophecy was fulfilled and is kept in an obvious way to this day, as Mary is very well respected in the world. But do we as Christians have respect for her? If we do, how do we show it? Mary will remain the most famous respected woman the world has ever known. There are even statements in Islam’s Koran about the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Nativity where Mary is referred to as “pure”. James 5:11 has the same word (makarizo) for “the regard”, which 1st century christians & apostles had for ancient prophets and Job himself. In this context, Mary’s status is equated with all faithful children of God. Consider what Jesus says about the greatness of John the immersionist in Matthew 11:11. Mary’s blessedness is indeed global and throughout all earthly generations, being different than ours, but, when we consider eternity, being blessed here is not worth comparing to the blessedness of citizens of Heaven!

v49-55, God’s holiness, mercy and strength, are the virtues of God which Mary sings about. These attributes of God, cause the poor to be helped and the rich to be forsaken. When we sing, these are valuable qualities to keep in mind and be grateful for in our hearts. These songs are not for proud people, but rather, people that fear God, see v50. Fearing God is healthy, but fearing his judgment is indicative of not having the love of God in your heart, see 1st John 4:17-18. There are basically two kinds of fear mentioned in the New Testament. Fear as in deep reverence and awe, the other kind of fear is acting cowardly and afraid. Where is there shown any deep reverence (fear) in our songs of worship today? Some Christians sing like they are timid and scared of being heard. They mutter through hymns like their just humming them. Is this the kind of “fear” God deserves? How do you think Mary sang this song? You should be sure that it was nothing short of beautiful and boisterous! Just like her love for God