Praises God For His Glorious Deeds

Praises God For His Glorious Deeds

A HERO’S TALE

Mary —a young, unimportant woman from a small, unimportant town in Israel —had just received some astonishing news. God was going to use her in his greatest miracle since the creation of the world —greater than Noah’s flood or the 10 plagues in Egypt or the parting of the Red Sea.

Mary was going to give birth to the Son of God.

She could have reacted in many ways. But she chose to respond in faith and praise toward God. After learning that her relative Elizabeth had a miraculous baby (John the Baptist) growing inside of her, too, Mary wrote one of the Bible’s most beautiful songs of praise. It later became known as “the Magnificat” (a Latin word meaning “magnifies” or “glorifies”). You can read it in Luke 1:46-55.

In the Magnificat, Mary bubbled over with excitement about the Lord’s glorious characteristics (such as his power, holiness, and strength) and his wonderful deeds (how he cares for his children, keeps his promises, and acts as our Savior). She also marveled at how God humbles the proud but exalts the humble (like her).

Mary’s Magnificat might not have made any top-40 music charts in first-century Palestine, but it’s still an awesome song!

DECODING THE MESSAGE

When God blessed Mary, she praised him from the depths of her soul. What’s your response to God’s kindness and love toward you? Do you offer God a quick “thanks,” like high-fiving someone as you walk by? Do you forget to praise him at all? Or do you stop to consider all that God has done for you and offer him the praise he deserves?

God gives us too many blessings to count, from providing for our daily needs (food, clothing, and shelter) to offering us eternal salvation through Jesus! Like Mary, are you in awe that the holy, all-powerful God of the universe cares about you? Do you shake your head in wonder that he sent his only Son, Jesus, to die in your place and pay for your sins? Do you marvel at Jesus’ resurrection, which proved that God accepted his sacrifice on your behalf?

Don’t take God’s goodness for granted. Follow Mary’s example and praise him! He is worthy of all our worship and thanks.

BATTLE PLAN

Write your own poem or song of praise to God. Include all his blessings that you can remember. If you or someone you know is gifted musically, perhaps you can even put the words to music!