Elizabeth and Mary

 

Image source: telling-secrets.blogspot.com

    Many of us can think of a person in our lives who is always in tune with the needs of others, frequently putting their own needs or concerns on the back burner to minister to the person in front of them.  Confession: often, I am so absorbed in my own thoughts and situation that I fail to see the needs of the person right in front of me.  It's an area that God is working on in my heart. Elizabeth is a wonderful example of sharing grace with others. 

    During the Christmas season, frequently we read about Mary going to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This story is recorded for us in Luke 1.  I personally, love to picture that meeting. We don't know the exact age difference, but we do know that Mary was, most likely, a very young girl.  We don't know Elizabeth's age, but she was past the age that most would expect her to bear children.  Despite their age difference, they must have been quite close because neither of them seemed to think it was odd for Mary to drop in unannounced.  Elizabeth had been staying out of the public eye for five months after becoming pregnant in her old age.  This was a miracle of epic proportions.  After years of disappointment and shame over her barrenness, God had given her a baby!  Not just any baby, but a baby chosen by God to prepare the hearts of Israel for the Messiah!  Oh, what joy!  What hope rising up from the ashes of despair!

    When Mary arrives to Elizabeth's home, she had just learned that she was expecting the Messiah from the angel, Gabriel.  She humbly and obediently accepted this assignment from God, saying, "I am the Lord's servant.  May your word to me be fulfilled." Luke 1:38  Using our knowledge of humanity, we can imagine her fear and uncertainty, despite her quiet faith.  What would become of her?  She was betrothed to a godly man, Joseph.  How would he respond to this news?  Would she be shunned from society?  All these questions and more had to be racing through her mind.  Gabriel mentioned to her during his visit that her cousin Elizabeth was expecting as well.  She would go there! Elizabeth was a righteous woman, the Bible tells us in Luke 1:6.  Mary may have known that Elizabeth would give godly advise for the days ahead. Most likely, she knew Elizabeth would be a comfort and encouragement. Perhaps Mary also wanted to assist Elizabeth.

    Elizabeth did not even know (from what we are told) about the baby in Mary's womb yet.  She had to be dying of excitement to share her own wondrous news! But as Mary approached, Elizabeth's baby jumped in her womb, and that simple act told Elizabeth everything.  Mary was with child, and Mary's baby was the Lord of all!  There is no jealousy, no thought for herself at all.  There is only praise to God and prayers of blessing for Mary and her little one What an amazing, humble and grace-filled family Mary and Elizabeth are shown to be!

    Elizabeth's blessing inspires Mary to praise God as well.  Luke 1:46-55 is known as "The Magnificat" because it begins with, "My soul magnifies the Lord..."  It is a beautiful prayer, filled with humble gratitude and praise to God for His faithfulness to Israel.  This caused me to stop.  Do my words inspire others to praise God for His faithfulness?  Of course, this must be God working through me, not my own actions or thoughts.  But, am I a willing vessel-- always open to receiving what God asks of me?  Is my spirit sensitive to the situations of others around me?  Am I ready to praise with others, no matter what my circumstances are?   

     This Christmas, my prayer is that I will learn from Elizabeth and Mary.  May I be receptive to God's assignment for my life.  May my response be one of praise and thankfulness for God's faithfulness at all times.  May the words I speak bring comfort and reflect blessing and praise. May my responses inspire praise in those around me! 

💔 Heather Sparks💔