Mary (2)
At some point after hearing that she was to conceive and give birth to Jesus, God's Son, Mary leaves Nazareth to go see her cousin, Elizabeth. It is a beautiful encounter when they meet with baby John leaping in his mother's womb at the sound of Mary's voice and Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit, blessing Mary and being amazed that she would be able to welcome "the mother of my Lord" (see Luke 1:39-45).
Last week, I focused on Mary's faith-filled servant attitude that said, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). What I noticed today as I read the passage about Mary's visit to Elizabeth is the confirmation that Elizabeth gives Mary as she makes her loud Spirit-filled exclamation.
"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." (Luke 1:45).
Gabriel didn't say anything to Mary once she accepted the message he gave her. He departed. (Luke 1:38). Yes, Mary trusted God's word to her but now there she was the only human who knew about it. She was alone with this great message.... and great responsibility. What motivated her to go see Elizabeth? This passage doesn't tell us. What she finds when she gets there must have been so encouraging and comforting.... someone who knew what was going to happen without her having to tell. A confirmation from the Spirit that 1) she was going to have a baby who is the Lord and 2) she is blessed because she believed what Gabriel told her.
Over the months of waiting for the baby's birth, through the difficulties of pregnancy, and as she faced the awkwardness and challenges of being unwed and pregnant, Elizabeth's words must have helped sustain Mary. She had reassurance. She was not alone in the knowledge of God's revelation. She had trusted and was doing God's will.
Now maybe Mary didn't need this reassurance. Maybe it is just me imagining the situation she was in. Whatever the case, God gave her Elizabeth and the words of blessing and we get to hear them now.
As we go through this Advent Season, may we grow in our capacity to believe that there will be a fulfillment of God's Word to us and be able to bless and encourage those who believe and are waiting for that fulfillment.
peace and grace in Christ,
Tracy
Last week, I focused on Mary's faith-filled servant attitude that said, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). What I noticed today as I read the passage about Mary's visit to Elizabeth is the confirmation that Elizabeth gives Mary as she makes her loud Spirit-filled exclamation.
"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." (Luke 1:45).
Gabriel didn't say anything to Mary once she accepted the message he gave her. He departed. (Luke 1:38). Yes, Mary trusted God's word to her but now there she was the only human who knew about it. She was alone with this great message.... and great responsibility. What motivated her to go see Elizabeth? This passage doesn't tell us. What she finds when she gets there must have been so encouraging and comforting.... someone who knew what was going to happen without her having to tell. A confirmation from the Spirit that 1) she was going to have a baby who is the Lord and 2) she is blessed because she believed what Gabriel told her.
Over the months of waiting for the baby's birth, through the difficulties of pregnancy, and as she faced the awkwardness and challenges of being unwed and pregnant, Elizabeth's words must have helped sustain Mary. She had reassurance. She was not alone in the knowledge of God's revelation. She had trusted and was doing God's will.
Now maybe Mary didn't need this reassurance. Maybe it is just me imagining the situation she was in. Whatever the case, God gave her Elizabeth and the words of blessing and we get to hear them now.
As we go through this Advent Season, may we grow in our capacity to believe that there will be a fulfillment of God's Word to us and be able to bless and encourage those who believe and are waiting for that fulfillment.
peace and grace in Christ,
Tracy
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