Magnifying Glass

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46, 47 (ESV)

She asked God, “When Mary says her ‘soul’ magnifies the Lord,’ what does that mean, Lord? How do I do that…how can my soul magnify You? Please show me what that means.”

God led her to this definition of “magnify” by Chicago journalist, Patrick T. Reardon:

“Many modern translations begin, ‘My soul proclaims…’ or ‘My soul praises…,’ but I like the earlier word ‘magnifies’ because it’s kind of odd and mysterious. What Mary is saying is that she is like a magnifying glass. By looking at her—by looking through her—other people see God better.”(emphasis mine)

My friend continued with her insights. “It’s not uncommon for someone to say to us, ‘God worked through you.’ We have a high privilege to help others recognize God by our words and actions. By our smiles and willingness to listen.

“However, a new picture has come into focus for me.

“Our task isn’t to do as many wonderful things as we can to represent God and show them God in us. My ordained role is not to reflect God in me. God has chosen me to simply stand in His presence, hold a magnifying glass in front of me, and let others look through the glass and see how awesome and amazing God is. God decides what things in my life He wants others to see. We don’t need to promote ourselves. Our role is to promote Him.”

In the past, I was happily aware that I have the privilege of reflecting Jesus to other people. My desire was that when they see ME, they would also see Jesus’ light in me. However, when we hold up a simple hand-held mirror, all we see is our own reflection.

Instead, He wants us to commune with Him in our soul and spirit, magnifying and exalting Him. Singing praises to Him and declaring His glory that always has been and always will be.

As we stand in His presence, we can hold our magnifying glass in front of us. When others look through that glass, they will see a clear view of all that God has brought into being.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
Psalm 34:3 (NASB)

Will you hold up your magnifying glass so others can look through it and see the wonders God has displayed for them? Perhaps start by holding up a real magnifying glass in front of you and praying: “God, thank You that You are in my life and I can come freely into Your presence. Please guide me into opportunities to magnify You while I stand behind You. I praise You that I can have a part in helping others see You and Your works more clearly and glorify You.”