Just as a telescope narrows our focus and draws distant images into clear view, so too does our personal image of God shape our relationship with Him. When we magnify God, we are not altering His greatness. Rather, we are drawing our attention to His majesty already present in every detail of creation.
In her message, Magnify the Lord In Worship, Pastor Susan Elsmore from Gateway Baptist Church says, “magnifying God is to see Him in His intricate detail, to behold His beauty, His majesty, and then declare that greatness.” This vision is the foundation of our worship. If our image of God is small or diminished, so is our praise.
The Timeless Song of Mary
The Bible shows us this powerful vision in Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary isn’t just a figure from history; her response to God’s call serves as a model for all believers. When the angel Gabriel told her about her special role, her heart was filled with worship. That deep worship inspired the Magnificat, a song that has touched hearts for over 2,000 years.
Mary’s words capture this divine perspective. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. In that moment, Mary recognised that her life was intricately woven into God’s redemptive plan. She drew on the sacred words she had memorised from the Psalms. Her response was not just a personal outpouring; it was a declaration of God’s everlasting mercy and strength.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed, for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Her song magnified God’s character. Mary’s Magnificat is an invitation for us to see and celebrate the fullness of God’s greatness in our own lives.
Our Personal Image of God
Susan challenges us to examine our own image of God. “Our personal image of God is the most important thing about us,” she says. “Our understanding of God shapes every aspect of our spiritual journey.” When we think God is distant and doesn’t care, our worship becomes quiet and limited. But when we embrace a vast and loving God, our praise becomes life-changing.
This truth matters in our everyday lives. With constant distractions like emails, texts, and social media, we need to focus our hearts on God. Just like a focus mode on our devices helps block out distractions, we too should set aside quiet moments for devotion so we can truly connect with God.
“When we magnify God, we focus our attention on Him,” says Susan. “And in doing so, we actually turn down all the other things that try and distract us.”
Living Out Worship in Challenging Times
The call to magnify God is an invitation for everyone. Think about how powerful it is to sing a song of praise. Whether it’s a child happily singing in the park or someone reciting a Bible verse they’ve learned by heart, every sound shows how great God is. “The songs that we sing hold power to magnify God and who He is,” says Susan.
What picture do we have of God right now? Do we really see Him in all His majesty? Let’s choose to worship God on purpose. Whether it’s by learning Bible verses, singing from the heart, or taking quiet time in prayer, our worship makes His glory shine even brighter in our lives and in our world.
“He is worthy of all praise, all honour and all glory.”
Watch Susan’s full message below:
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