When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to the Savior of the world, she did not understand in her natural mind how this could be happening. “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” she asked (Luke 1:34). Still, when she was told that this would be a work of the Holy Spirit, she later responded by declaring, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46).
To magnify something means to make it bigger or to make it look bigger. Think of a magnifying glass. We know God doesn’t get bigger and smaller; He never changes. However, our view of God, our estimation of Him, can change from time to time. Some experiences cause us to see God as bigger than we saw Him before. This was one of those experiences in Mary’s life.
The virgin Mary could not understand in her natural mind how she could give birth to any child, let alone the Savior of the world. The angel’s announcement totally blew her mind. Without a doubt, Mary saw God bigger than she saw Him before. She then realized that absolutely nothing was impossible with God. He became magnified in her heart, mind, and soul. Let God be magnified in our lives as well!
Too often though, we tend to magnify other things. We dwell on our problems and make them bigger than they really are. We magnify ourselves by focusing on how good or bad we are. We may magnify one small action from another person and get offended. We may place too much emphasis on the cares of this world, magnifying what is popular in society. Whatever it may be, we must remember that the only One who deserves to be magnified is our Lord!
When I think of all the great things God has done in my life, I definitely see Him as a great big God! He’s blessed me with a beautiful, healthy family and provided everything we need. He’s given me peace, favor, and purpose. He’s given me opportunities I never imagined I would have. I know God has been “big” in your life as well. Join me in declaring today, “My soul magnifies the Lord!”
Reflections 