Magnify the Lord

Isaiah 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
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Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.”
 
Isaiah describes the Savior to come in many passages. We will view some of those in the coming days to connect with Luke. But first, let’s see Isaiah’s view of heavenly worship that is also expressed in Mary’s praise to the Mighty One.
    To worship God is to magnify him in all he is. Isaiah sees heaven’s angels singing the three-part, “holy, holy, holy” to continually declare God’s perfection. Revelation records the same worship (Revelation 4:8). His glory – power, beauty, righteousness, love – flows eternally throughout the heavens and earth. In his response to God’s perfection, Isaiah faithfully worships God as he obediently fulfills his ministry through the reigns of several kings.
    The same is true of Mary. As with Isaiah, God has chosen her to a remarkable work. In a sense, she becomes a prophet to proclaim God’s glory through the miraculous display of the virgin birth. From the day of the Spirit’s anointing, all generations who will call Mary, “Blessed.” Why? It is not because of what Mary has done or will do. It is because of whom she becomes in God’s power. Yes, she faithfully worships the Lord. “The Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.”  Even though the pregnancy is unplanned and will bring her many hardships – to be the Messiah’s mother! But then, as Isaiah, in deep reverence Mary responds to God’s call. Her words express true, humble devotion. She knows God has called her to a most remarkable task.
    Does “holy, holy, holy” must now come from our lips, too? I refer not in singing a hymn, but speaking heart praises to declare God is the Mighty One, who has called us to be his own, made holy in Jesus’ blood. Indeed, this is a most remarkable spiritual reality. Our response is to worship him day and night as we pursue his holiness and declare what he has done for us.
 
Prayer: You are holy, holy, holy, Lord. Thank you for making us holy before your throne as we declare, “Jesus is Savior, King, Redeemer.” Amen.