Luke 1:49 Commentary and Bible Study

‘He that is mighty’ – Mary rehearses the wonderful attributes of God. She wants to exalt the Lord in her heart and speak of his perfections. This is true praise, when we admire God for who he is. He is mighty. He has no equal in might. When we think of the mightiest of powers on earth, he is more so, and that power works for the good of his people. The might that Mary is thinking of is the might that has given her such a great gift, and exalted one who is so lowly to such a position of blessedness. This is the proof of his mightiness. The proud are reluctant to praise God, but the humble pour out their praise freely. ‘Holy is his name.’ Mary selects this attribute, because if there is one attribute God means to be publicly known, it is his holiness. He cannot do evil, and he cannot allow evil to exist in his presence. Therefore it is amazing that I, who am immersed in sin, should be accepted as his child. He cannot leave me in that state. He must transform me in order to bring me to heaven. This is the progressive life-long work of sanctification, which will be completed at the moment we pass from this world, when we put off the body of this death. I long for greater holiness and for greater advance, and our attitude must be trust him as we fight against the flesh.