Great Mercy: Elizabeth's Story

GREAT MERCY: ELIZABETH'S STORY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 1:5-25

Supporting Texts: Genesis 18:10-14, Psalm 136:1, Lamentations 3:22-23, Ephesians 2:4-5, Hebrews 4:16

INTRODUCTION

The story of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, is a powerful testimony of God's great mercy. She was a righteous woman who walked blamelessly before God but faced barrenness, a condition often seen as a sign of divine disapproval in her culture. Yet, God, in His mercy, visited her and turned her sorrow into joy.

Mercy is the divine attribute that causes God to intervene in impossible situations. It is by His mercy that the barren conceive, the forgotten are remembered, and the hopeless receive a new beginning. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning, meaning His ability to intervene never runs out.

As we examine Elizabeth's story, we will uncover key lessons about how God’s mercy can change lives, cancel shame, and bring divine fulfilment.

1. MERCY LOCATES THE RIGHTEOUS IN DISTRESS

a) Righteousness does not exempt us from trials (Luke 1:6-7)

Elizabeth and Zechariah were righteous, yet they struggled with barrenness.

b) Delay is not denial (Habakkuk 2:3)

Though their prayers seemed unanswered, God had an appointed time.

c) Mercy speaks where human efforts fail (Romans 9:16)

It is not by human will or effort but by God's mercy that destinies change.

d) God sees and remembers His faithful ones (Malachi 3:16-17)

Every act of faithfulness is recorded and rewarded in due time.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-20)

Like Elizabeth, she was barren, but God’s mercy turned her mourning into joy.

2. MERCY REMOVES SHAME AND DISGRACE

a) Barrenness was a source of reproach (Luke 1:25)

In Jewish culture, barrenness was often seen as a curse or punishment.

b) God delights in lifting the downtrodden (Psalm 113:7-9)

He raises the poor from the dust and gives the barren woman a home.

c) Divine visitation cancels long-standing shame (Isaiah 54:4-5)

God wipes away the reproach of His people when He intervenes.

d) God's mercy turns sorrow into joy (Psalm 30:5)

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

e) Biblical Example: Sarah (Genesis 21:1-7)

God removed her shame by giving her Isaac in old age.

3. MERCY BRINGS UNEXPECTED BREAKTHROUGHS

a) Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up hope (Luke 1:18)

They were old, but God's timing is always perfect.

b) God's mercy brings unexpected answers (Ephesians 3:20)

He does exceedingly, abundantly above what we ask or think.

c) Mercy grants the impossible (Genesis 18:14)

With God, nothing is too difficult to accomplish.

d) Delays prepare us for greater testimonies (James 1:2-4)

Trials refine us so we can fully appreciate God’s blessings.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:12-16)

In her last moment of despair, God’s mercy provided for her.

4. MERCY POSITIONS US FOR DIVINE PURPOSE

a) John the Baptist was a child of destiny (Luke 1:13-17)

His birth was not just a blessing to Elizabeth but a fulfilment of prophecy.

b) God’s mercy is tied to His greater plan (Jeremiah 29:11)

His thoughts towards us are of good, to give us an expected end.

c) Every act of mercy has a divine assignment (2 Timothy 1:9)

We are saved and called for a holy purpose.

d) When mercy finds you, you become a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2-3)

God’s blessings overflow to those around us.

e) Biblical Example: Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28-35)

She was highly favoured and chosen for divine purpose.

CONCLUSION

Elizabeth’s story is a testimony that God never forgets His own. His mercy may delay, but it will never be denied. No matter the situation, God’s mercy can turn barrenness into fruitfulness, disgrace into honour, and hopelessness into purpose.

If you are in a waiting season, hold on to God’s mercy. He is faithful, and at the right time, He will remember you and transform your life for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Father, let Your mercy locate me today and change my story.

2.  Lord, remove every shame and reproach in my life.

3.  Father, grant me an unexpected breakthrough by Your mercy.

4.  Lord, let Your mercy speak for me where I cannot speak for myself.

5.  Father, position me for divine purpose and use me for Your glory.