![]() ![]() ![]() Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society® Used by permission. Whenever you read the Bible try to picture yourself there-it’ll make the Bible come alive! Let the Holy Spirit direct your imagination. And don’t neglect to seek out a godly woman for counsel! Well my friends, I hope you enjoyed my fictional conversation. “Isn’t it astonishing that Yahweh, the Creator, would choose us! Who are we to be given such a privilege to be used for His glory in this way?!” You are truly a messenger from God-just like your son will be. Her cousin dogmatically declared, “If God can miraculously conceive a baby in a virgin, then surely He can and will protect you both! He is going to be The Savior of the world! God’s plans cannot be thwarted! Still a little doubtful, Mary said “But what if they try to stone me?” He would have made a wonderful husband, but I doubt he will take me as his bride now,” she said with tears in her eyes.Įlizabeth wisely responded, “The line of David? Well then, surely God will work in his heart to accept the truth and together you will raise this precious Son.” “Oh, he is so wonderful and kind! He loves the LORD with all his heart. “I am certain the Lord will give you the right words at the right time-as well as the courage,” reassured Elizabeth. She paused then continued, “And you know, Mary, that although most people won’t believe that you are still pure, you can trust that God will not let you raise the Messiah of the world alone! Tell me more about this Joseph.” I’ve been praying constantly-ever since the angel appeared to me.” ![]() Poor Joseph! It’ll break his heart to think I’ve been unfaithful! I love him so. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to tell them-not to mention mustering up the courage to do so. “Have you told anyone yet-your parents, Joseph?” asked the sympathizing cousin. What will people think? They will never believe me! My reputation will be ruined,” she groaned, horrified at the thought of being shunned and possibly stoned. But I suspect that taking care of a baby is not what you’re thinking about now.” “Of course you are! I’m scared as well about being a mother at my age. “Well…to be honest, I’m a bit frightened actually, a lot frightened!” “What is it, Mary?” asked her observant cousin. Then suddenly a very dismayed look came over her face. Silence followed as she pondered all the wondrous things her Lord was doing. All we know about them is found in the first chapter of Lukes Gospel. I had tried to lay my longings for a child aside, but I think God is the One who kept placing that ache in my heart. The name Elizabeth, which has been borne by several saints, means in Hebrew 'worshiper of God.' This Elizabeth was the wife of Zachary, the mother of John the Baptist and the niece of the Blessed Virgin Mary. If we are committed to God and delight in Him, He would give us the desires of our heart.* Now we can celebrate together!”Įlizabeth wholeheartedly responded, “Yes, our God can certainly do the impossible! I still can’t believe it-amazed that He would give me a son after all these years! King David was right. When the angel told me that you were also miraculously pregnant, I just had to see you. On the morning after Mary arrived, as they were sipping their tea, Mary said, “I’m so glad I have you to talk to! You understand. Here’s how I imagine what one of those mentoring discussions might have been like. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to hear their conversations. She must have had a close relationship or at least a deep respect and admiration for this older godly woman, and sought her counsel. And yet, the two are already alive, active, and individual.Įlizabeth will celebrate this turn of events (Luke 1:42–45), as will Mary (Luke 1:46–47).Did you ever wonder what transpired during Mary’s 3-month visit with her cousin, Elizabeth? After receiving news from God that she was to be the mother of the Messiah, she needed someone she could confide in and rejoice with. At this moment, Elizabeth's son is three months from birth and Mary's pregnancy has only just begun. Both Jesus Christ and John the Baptist were identifiable, distinct persons. They also imply something important about the unborn in general. These responses speak to the miraculous nature of both pregnancies. At the same time, Elizabeth feels herself filled with the Holy Spirit. Her voice causes the unborn baby in Elizabeth's womb to move in a dramatic way. The arrival of Mary causes an immediate reaction. In her excitement, Mary has come to visit Elizabeth's home in the hills near Jerusalem. She was recently informed she was to bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31–33). As it happens, that very Messiah is in the womb of a young virgin named Mary (Luke 1:26–27). Her child will come to be known as John the Baptist (Luke 3:2–3), an important precursor to the Messiah (Luke 1:14–17). Elizabeth is six months pregnant (Luke 1:36), despite being older and formerly barren (Luke 1:5–7, 13).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |