When God Decides
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When God Decides
When God Decides
Luke 1:46–55 (ESV)
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Introduction:
I will not attempt to lead you to believe that I have always adjusted well to the will God deems appropriate in my life. There have been and quite honestly there still are some moments when I have struggled with God’s will.
Today our text is known as “The Magnificat” or “Mary’s Song of Praise”. It occurs after Mary has been told she is going to become pregnant with the Savior and while she visits with her cousin Elizabeth.
This song can also be viewed as a prayer of worship. Mary has been blessed but will also face challenges. The path Mary walks is not one Mary chose for herself. This is the decision of God. This is God’s Will.
This is a challenge for Mary.
-it is unexpected
-it is not her planned
-it is unexplainable
Mary exemplifies three moves we must make when God decides our course.
DT: When we experience the grace and power of God in our lives we must worship God.
Aim: We will celebrate Christmas worshipping God for His divine works towards us.
I. Embrace God’s Purpose With Worship(v. 46)
I. Embrace God’s Purpose With Worship(v. 46)
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
Mary begins the journey God has chosen for her with worship. Even though Mary knew there would be difficulty and uncertainties she would face. Mary placed her focus upon God. She decided that her worship would be greater than her fear!
Our emphasis must be placed on God. It is a worshipping moment. We must be intentional about Exalting God.
Explanation: the term magnifies,
mĕgalunō, meg-al-oo´-no; to make (or declare) great, i.e. increase or (fig.) extol:—enlarge,
Our goal should be to make God great!
As we are now in this advent season, let me remind you that we ought be magnifying God for what He has done for us.
i. Santa has nothing to do with it.
Illustration: When we look at our skin on the surface thats what we see. But when we place our skin under a microscope our skin is magnified so that we can see beyond the surface.
Transition: So it is when we magnify the Lord. We help others to see beyond the surface. He is not just a name He is the name above all names!
Application: This Christmas worship the Lord. Set aside time with your family to worship God expressing how great He is in your life.
II. Express God’s Blessings Joyfully (vv.47-48)
II. Express God’s Blessings Joyfully (vv.47-48)
Luke 1:47–48 (ESV)
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
Mary did not take this moment as an opportunity to begin doubting. Mary decided that this is a great time to thank God for the blessing.
She rejoiced in God. Notice she says, “God MY Savior” she has already acknowledged God as her deliverer. She knows that God can do anything and there is no situation God cannot handle.
That’s why she is rejoicing, because she knows God as a savior. In fact Mary says, God has blessed me and no matter what happens people will see his works in me.
Illustration:
Application: Whatever God is doing through you right now, tell Him thank you. Be joyful with whatever you are dealing with and acknowledge Him as your saviour.
III. Exhibit God’s Activities Faithfully (vv.49-55)
III. Exhibit God’s Activities Faithfully (vv.49-55)
Mary refused to ignore what God is doing. Mary reminds us that we serve an active God.
God is doing great things Luke 1:49
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
God is Merciful Luke 1:50
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
God is Powerful Luke 1:51 -52
51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;
God is a deliverer Luke 1:53-55
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Conclusion: