TEXT: Luke 1:46-56
READING: Psalm 34:1-22
SUBJ: The rejoicing of Mary during her visit to Elizabeth seen as a pattern for our own Joy in the Lord and His salvation.
AIM: That we should rejoice in our salvation as Mary did in hers.
INTR: As we approach the season in which the world has chosen to celebrate the birth of our Lord (not in the Bible) we would follow the pattern of Luke and begin at the beginning, noting the tribute to Theophilus and the conception of John the Baptist and Gabriel’s appearance to Mary.
1. We would note three songs in this chapter – That of Elizabeth (v. 41),
2. The Song of Zacharius (vv. 67ff), and the Gospel according to him.
3. And we would note the Gospel substance of Mary’s song of rejoicing.
THESIS: It is always well to be suitably affected by what we read, and we are given ample cause in this passage of Scripture.
I. Mary’s spiritual joy (vv. 46-47)
1. We note carefully that it was her spirit that rejoiced at the consideration of all that had occurred. And she was already seeing herself in subjection to the Lord.
2. Her soul magnified the Lord, and her rejoicing was in God
3. Her joy was further expressed in claiming Him as Her Savior. Her need of salvation expressed.
II. Her Joy in confession (vv. 46, 48)
1. Her soul magnified the Lord: O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (Psalms 34:3).
2. Her joy in gratefulness. Confessing her low estate. Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. (Psalms 138:6).
3. Her joy in hope. Generations of believers to follow will remember her and call her blessed.
1) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:3).
2) We are here reminded of the woman who anointed our Lord for His burial.
III. Her joy was reasonable (vv. 49-50)
1. The might of God is acknowledged in that He had done great things to her.
2. And she is careful to acknowledge the Holiness of His name.
3. And such joy is ours as we realize the greatness of such spiritual operations within us as did Mary.
IV. Such joy moved her to testimony (vv. 50 -56)
1. His mercy to them that fear Him.
2. His power as that the proud are scattered.
3. His grace to provide for the hungry.
