What does it mean to magnify?

What does it mean to magnify?

According to the handy Google, it has two definitions:

1. To make larger, especially with a lens or microscope
2. To glory or extol, as in praise of God.

I was visiting a church a few weeks ago.  The scripture was from Luke 1:26-38 and 46-56.  Part of that passage is the Song of Mary, also known as the Magnificat.  "My soul magnifies the Lord."

It is a song of praise and thanksgiving of God.  As I was listening to it, I wondered about the phrase, "My soul magnifies the Lord."  What did that mean for Mary? What does that mean for us?

When I worked in science, I often used a microscope.  As the definition suggests, it would make something on a slide appear larger, so that I could see it.  

That may be what we do when our soul magnifies the Lord.  First of all, in praise, we are recognizing the work of God in our lives. We are glorifying God - so that WE can see God.  It is a kind of recognition. 

Secondly, in praise, we are magnifying God so that others can see the presence and action of God at work in the world.  Magnifying God through praise so that OTHERS can see God.  

Where in our lives, and for whom, do we need to magnify God?

One practice I have that I think helps me to magnify God for myself is that each day I fill two lines in my journal with statements of gratitude.  "Grateful for......  Thankful for..."  Listing the gratitude for the day helps me to recognize it.

How do we magnify God in our lives so that others can see God at work? Serving others. Speaking of the work of God in our lives (sharing the story). Loving others. 

My church has a devotional ministry (see link in left-hand sidebar).  Members of the church write devotionals that are then emailed to a mailing list.  This ministry magnifies the Lord for others.