Last month I wrote a short blog on Mary……and why we called her blessed. The Lord used her body in “housing” our Lord. Although she contributed nothing toward his genes she was his mother and supplied the blood that nourished him in utero. Although being young in age she was chosen because of her complete faith. She trusted God. She knew He keeps His promises.
Her older cousin, Elizabeth who was also pregnant with John the Baptizer, called her “blessed” when Mary came to visit her. Like Mary, she too believed in the fulfillment of an improbable prophecy. Here she was, pregnant at an old age.
Elizabeth didn’t enjoy the personal advantage of an angel making house calls. Like many women in the scriptural record, she was not directly consulted about plans God had for her family. But her old body would house the new “Elijah”. She was the mother of the prophet, John, who would baptize our Lord and prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry.
Her old husband, Zechariah, wasn’t prepared for this miracle either. He was struck speechless when told of the pregnancy as he was serving his time in the temple. An angel told him that he was to become a father! What? Didn’t he know the story of Sarah and Abraham? Why, they didn’t have children until both were old…. but God performed a miracle and there was Isaac! Miracles always seem to happen to others…..at least Zechariah felt that way.
In Elizabeth’s “confinement’ period, Mary comes calling. But before that knock on the door, little John, is kicking inside his mother, as much to say, “Here comes the mother of our Messiah. Take care of his mom.”
In this tender period, filled with the Spirit, Elizabeth celebrates aloud with Mary the joy of the ages.
Well before John the Baptist would babble his first word, Elizabeth was already announcing the way of the Lord.
Do I have faith in the fulfillment of what God promises to those who believe?
AbideLines 