Elizabeth
Elizabeth was obedient to God's commands throughout her life.
Biblical narrative. According to the Gospel of Luke chapter 1, Elizabeth was "of the daughters of Aaron." She and her husband Zachariah were "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" (1:5–7), but childless. ... "
ELIZABETH ["MY GOD HAS SWORN"]
[HEBREW] Elišéva? / Elišáva
Born 1st Century BC
Died 1st Century BC (Or Early AD)
Venerated In Roman Catholic Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Oriental Orthodox Church
Anglican Church
Lutheran Church
Islam
Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Feast
November 5 (Roman Catholic, Lutheran)
September 5 (Eastern Orthodox, Anglican)
Patronage
HEBREW Pregnant Women
Elišéva? / Elišáva
Biblical Narrative (cont.)
According to the Gospel of Luke chapter 1, Elizabeth was "of the daughters of Aaron." She and her husband Zachariah were "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" (1:5–7) …but childless.
While he was in the Temple of the Lord (1:8–12), Zacharias was visited by the angel Gabriel: nevertheless, the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born." —?Luke 1:13–15
The angel told Zacharias that he would be "dumb, and not able to speak" until the words were fulfilled because he did not believe. Zacharias doubted he could believe this since he and his wife were old [past average childbearing age]. According to the Gospel of Luke, she was past average childbearing age when she conceived and gave birth to John.
When the days of his ministry were complete, Zacharias returned to his house (Luke 1:16–23).
After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and, for five months, remained in seclusion. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days, he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people." —?Luke 1:24–25.
Mary, a virgin, betrothed to a man called Joseph after being informed by an angel who told her that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bring forth a son called Jesus. She was also informed that her "relative Elizabeth" had begun her sixth month of pregnancy. Soon afterward, Mary traveled to "a town in the hill country of Judah" to visit Elizabeth (Luke 1:26–40). According to the account, later, the angel Gabriel was also sent to Nazareth in Galilee to visit Mary. [Luke 1:36].
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, t Mary, a virgin, betrothed to a man called Joseph after being informed by an angel who told her that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bring forth a son called Jesus. She was also informed that her "relative Elizabeth" had begun her sixth month of pregnancy. , and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" —?Luke 1:41–45
Matthew Henry comments, "Mary knew that Elizabeth was with child, but it does not appear that Elizabeth had been told anything of her relative Mary's being intended for the mother of the Messiah; and therefore what knowledge she appears to have had of it must have come by a revelation, which would be a great encouragement to Mary." After Mary heard Elizabeth's blessing, she spoke the words now known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55).
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father, Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."
They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name."
Then they made signs to his father to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment, he wrote, "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. —?Luke 1:56–64
That is the last mention of Elizabeth, who is not mentioned in any other chapter in the Bible. The chapter continues with the prophecy of Zacharias (known as the Benedictus) and ends with the note that John "grew, and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts" until his ministry to Israel began; so it is unknown how long Elizabeth and her husband lived after that (Luke 1:65–80).
Since the Medieval era, Elizabeth's greeting, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb," has formed the second part of the Hail Mary prayer.
Apocrypha
Elizabeth is mentioned in several books of the Apocrypha, most prominently in the Protevangelion of James. The birth of her son and the subsequent murder of her husband is chronicled.
Sainthood. Elizabeth is revered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church on November 5, and in the Orthodox and Anglican traditions on September 5, on the same day with her husband, Zacharias/Zechariah. She is commemorated as a matriarch in the Calendar of Saints (September 5) of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and Zacharias is commemorated as a prophet.
Elizabeth (Arabic: ?????, romanized: 'I?hba), the wife of Zakaria, the mother of Yahya, is an honored woman in Islam. Although Zachariah himself is frequently mentioned by name in the Qur'an, Elizabeth, while not mentioned by name, is revered as a wise, pious, and believing person who, like her relative Mary, was exalted by God to a high station. She lived in the household of Imran and is said to have been a descendant of the prophet and priest Harun. Zachariah and his wife were both devout and steadfast in their duties. They were, however, both ancient, and they had no son. Therefore, Zachariah would frequently pray to God for a son. This was out of the desire to have a son and because the great Jesus Christ wanted someone to carry on the Temple services of prayer and continue preaching the Lord's message before his death. God cured Elizabeth's barrenness and granted Zachariah a son, Yahya (John the Baptist), who became a prophet. God thus granted the couple's wishes because of their faith, trust, and love for God. In the Qur'an, God speaks of Zachariah, his wife, and John and describes the three as being humble servants of the LORD: So We listened to him: and We granted him John: We cured his wife's (Barrenness) for him. These (three) were ever quick in emulation (imitation) of good works; they used to call on Us with love and reverence and humble themselves before Us.
In Sunni Islamic reports of al-Tabari and al-Masudi, Elizabeth is said to have been a daughter of Imran and, thus, a sister of Mary. In other accounts, Elizabeth is said to be a daughter of Fakudh and a sister of Imran's wife, Hannah. Therefore, their children, Jesus (Isa) and John (Yahya), are believed to have been cousins.
In Shia hadith, she is named Hannah and is identified as a sister of Mary's mother, Hannah. Abu Basir recorded that Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, the great-grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, had stated: "Hannah, the wife of Imran, and Hannah, the wife of Zechariah, were sisters. He says that Mary was born from Hannah, and John was born from Hannah. Mary gave birth to Jesus, and he was the son of the daughter of John's aunt. John was the son of the aunt of Mary, and the aunt of one's mother is like one's aunt.
While pregnant with the future John the Baptist, she gave shelter to her young cousin Mary of Nazareth. Mary, pregnant with Jesus and unmarried, may have been fleeing from her family's anger. When the women met, each knew that they and their children would be a significant part of God's plan.
Elizabeth has a son John, Luke 1:67-80
A few months later (after Mary's visit), Elizabeth bore the son she had always hoped for. She named him 'John.' He was circumcised, and Zechariah regained his speech and hearing.
Elizabeth becomes pregnant; Luke 1:5-25
First, Luke outlined Elizabeth's family background (see Elizabeth in Luke's Gospel). She was descended from a long line of priests – Luke made this clear right at the beginning of his Gospel because he wanted to say, loud and clear, that John and Jesus both came from a respectable, well-connected family.
Reconstruction of the regalia worn by the Jewish high priest
He began by pointing out that not one but both John's parents came from a priestly family and that Elizabeth's father was a priest – this is what is meant by 'daughter of Aaron.'
What was her problem?
Despite her impeccable family background, Elizabeth was barren. In those days, childlessness was not just a misfortune; it was a disgrace (see Genesis 16:4, 11; 29:32; 30:1, 1 Samuel 1:5-6, 11, 2:5, 7-8).
However, this could hardly be so in Elizabeth's case since her reputation was blameless. Instead, there had to be some other reason.
Could it be that, like the great foremother Sarah (Genesis 18:11) and the childless Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2), she remained barren because God had a more excellent plan for her?
Luke now sets the scene for the first dramatic event.
Why was Zechariah at the Temple?
Zechariah had been chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Temple of Jerusalem and offer incense as part of the daily worship at the Temple – only the priest who had been chosen by random lot, and therefore by God's hand, could enter the sanctuary.
It was a pivotal moment for Zechariah. There were about 8,000 priests at that time, so any priest could only expect to offer sacrifice once or twice in his lifetime.
Now it was Zechariah's turn.
At about 3 pm on this particular day, he stepped forward into the sanctuary to offer incense. The people waited outside, as did the other priests.
At that moment, an angel appeared on the right side of the altar in front of Zechariah.
Why the right-hand side? Because a favored courtier or royal family member always took this position in a royal throne room.
Zechariah and the Angel, James Tissot
But an angel? What exactly does that mean?
It is hard to tell, but biblical writers seemed to use this word to show that a human being had received a message from God.
Our skeptical, must-have-proof; the world finds it hard to understand, but we would probably say the same thing differently: that a deep conviction of purpose settled on the person involved, guiding them towards a particular course of action.
The angel's message
The angel spoke. It reassured the terrified Zechariah, telling him not to be afraid.
Then it gave him momentous news: his wife Elizabeth would conceive and have a son. Since the hand of God is evident in what is happening, the listener/reader knows that this will be no ordinary child.
The angel was specific. The child would have four characteristics:
He would be great in the sight of God
He would drink no wine and thus live the ascetic life of a Nazarene, setting him apart from ordinary people
He would be filled with the Spirit from his conception
He would prepare for the Messiah and thus be a catalyst between Israel and God.
What was Zechariah's response?
It is hard to believe, but Zechariah quibbled! He discreetly implied that He was no longer capable of sexual intercourse and that His wife had ceased menstruating. He expressed doubts that this could happen.
There was genuine confusion on his part here, but there was also the sense that he was objecting, as he asked for a sign – just as the great forefather Abraham did (Genesis 15:8), and Gideon (Judges 6:36-40) and Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:8-11).
The angel responded by identifying itself – "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God."
Can an angel be offended?
Only the highest officials in an oriental royal court stood in the king's presence. Protocol demanded that most people bow or prostrate themselves, so Gabriel told Zechariah he had committed an offense in not believing the message.
Zechariah was reduced to silence as punishment for his offense, probably becoming deaf and mute.
In one way, it was a reassuring miracle, but in another, it was a punishment, one that would last until the birth of the child set him free.
Zechariah is struck dumb
When Zechariah came out of the Temple, he was unable to speak. This was puzzling for the people around him. Why couldn't he speak? Something momentous must have happened. The priests and people interpreted his silence as proof that he had had some profound religious experience, possibly a vision, but Zechariah could not tell them of his experience. Frustrated by his inability to speak, he tried to explain by signing. This had limited success. He finished out his allotted service then headed home.
Elizabeth pleases God
Zechariah had doubted, but Elizabeth had not, and now she, not her unfortunate husband, moved into the spotlight.
Home, at last, Zechariah found comfort in the arms of his wife. One thing led to another, and she became pregnant – to her surprise and the amazement of her family and friends. When she realized she was pregnant, she went into seclusion. This meant she did not leave her house for any reason nor receive any visitors. She stayed like this, leading a calm and quiet life until her pregnancy became physically evident to all who saw her.
The songs of Elizabeth & Mary
The two pregnant women met, and at that moment, Elizabeth's unborn baby responded by suddenly moving and kicking in her womb. Twenty-eight weeks, the end of a woman's second trimester, is the usual time to expect an unborn baby to kick in the womb, and this may well have been the first time Elizabeth's unborn baby moved – an exciting moment for any mother.
She took this sudden movement as a sign at this particular moment.
In a moment of penetrating spiritual clarity, Elizabeth recognized the mother of the expected Messiah was visiting her. She pronounced a blessing on the younger woman:'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.'
Mary responded with the words of the Song called the Magnificat.
Scholars now guardedly say this was a hymn sung by the early Christians in their liturgies, implying that it may have had a composition date later than the moment of meeting between the two mothers.
They also imply that an illiterate peasant girl from Galilee would not have had the ability to compose such a hymn. However, there is no reason to think that Mary could not have been capable of composing it herself. The Magnificat is closely based on the Song of Hannah in 2 Samuel 2:1-10, and Mary must have known this song well. She certainly would have known the Song of Hannah by heart since women at the time had a rich oral tradition, all of it memorized. She would have thought the Song of Hannah appropriate since Elizabeth's pregnancy so late in life mirrored the pregnancy of Hannah.
Adapting passages from the Jewish Scriptures to suit current situations was a normal part of the oral tradition. Mary and her female relatives would have been familiar with this technique. True, there is some evidence it was adapted along the way before Luke translated it into Greek, but indeed Mary is the source of this glorious Song.
Elizabeth gives birth to John
It is not clear from the text whether Elizabeth had the help of her young kinswoman when she gave birth to her baby. Commonsense and the lapse of time would suggest she did. Elizabeth would indeed have been surrounded by loving, concerned relatives and friends, especially since her advanced age must have made it a difficult birth.
Note: In ancient times, women hunched themselves over a hole hollowed in the ground, standing on bricks or stones placed at either side. They gave birth in a squatting position, with relatives and friends taking turns to support them under the arms. There were special birthing chairs in the Roman world with a U-shaped hole in the seat and supports for the feet and back, but we have no way of knowing whether this latest medical technology had reached Roman-era Jerusalem.
In this case, however, Elizabeth's extended family seemed to have decided that the baby would be called Zechariah, after his stricken father. However, Elizabeth stepped forward and briskly contradicted them. Her son's name was to be 'John,' she said. Everyone disagreed with her, pointing out that there was no family precedent for 'John,' but Elizabeth stood her ground.
She insisted so fiercely that the family members turned to Zechariah for support, exasperated. Since he could not speak, he asked for a writing tablet – a small wooden tile with a wax surface. He scratched a single sentence with a stylus: 'His name is John'.
Zechariah speaks
Immediately, to the amazement of the onlookers, he regained the use of his speech and hearing. A skeptic no more, his first words were in praise of God. The sound of his voice silenced even the most talkative of his neighbors. They were awed and not a little frightened by what they were witnessing. Like neighbors everywhere, they could not wait to pass on the story of what had happened and discuss its meaning. The son of Elizabeth and Zechariah must undoubtedly be destined for greatness – 'the hand of God was with him,' and he would be different and unique.
Now the name 'John' seemed appropriate since, without any family precedent, it gave him an identity of his own that had nothing to do with the past.
Their assumption was cemented by the words Zechariah now spoke. He said this little child would one day be a prophet of the Highest, preparing the way for the Messiah.
This scene is the last we see of Elizabeth. By the standards of the time, she was already elderly, and she may not have lived to see her son grow to manhood.
What happened to Elizabeth's son John?
It has often been suggested that John, described as living in the wilderness (Luke 1:80), may have been a member of the Essenes at Qumran. This group was known to adopt young children and look after them, hoping they would become permanent community members.
If Elizabeth and Zechariah were both elderly and died soon after John's birth, the Essenes may have done just this for John. If so, they were disappointed since John broke away to forge his ministry in the desert, preparing the way of the Lord.
Elizabeth is Elisheba. It means 'God's promise' or 'my God is generous.'
Mary means 'wise woman' or 'lady.' It is a Greek form of the Hebrew Miriam or Mariamme and was the most famous woman's name at the time of Jesus.
John means 'God has been gracious.'
Zechariah means 'God has remembered.'
The main ideas in Elizabeth's story
The gospel-writer Luke used Elizabeth's story to set the stage for the birth of Jesus. Both stories have an annunciation (announcement) by an angel and songs that praise God, e.g., the Magnificat.
In the Old Testament, God's power is often shown through a woman who prays and gives birth after everyone else has given up hope.
Elizabeth marked her son as different when she insisted on a non-family name. This and the sudden illness and recovery of her husband Zechariah perplexed Elizabeth's neighbors, but she stood firm against a doubting community.
Inspired by God, she knew John was a child with a great destiny.
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LEAPING FOR JOY
In his baby's infancy, Luke narratives, both as a physician and artist, he uses a *diptych style, where two stories are presented in parallel panels for easier comparison.
*a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces
In Luke's Gospel, two birth narratives are contrasted: John the Baptist's and Jesus'. A quick look at the ?rst two chapters of the Gospel of Luke reveals parallel stories of the annunciation (announcement), birth, circumcision, naming, and witnessing of the birth, and growth of John and Jesus
The Visitation story in Luke's Gospel is unique because it is not presented in a diptych style. Luke breaks the pattern. After focusing on parallel events as they develop in separate scenes, Luke now brings the essential characters together in one setting. We have Mary meeting Elizabeth (and Zechariah). Nevertheless, more importantly, the main protagonists — Jesus and John – meet even while both are still in the womb.
Underlined in today's Gospel is the Spirit of joy that sweeps through the atmosphere like a longed-for December breeze on a hot day in Australia. The Lord has come. This Lord now comes in the person of the baby yet to be born; thus, Elizabeth feels privileged to be visited by Mary, the 'mother of my Lord.'
Even John the Baptist leaps for joy. Luke will use this same image when he writes about the joy of the shushben or "friend of the bridegroom" when he hears the voice of the bridegroom (John 3:29).
In the ancient world, the coming of a great ruler brought rejoicing to the populace. Rome grandiosely proclaimed September 23, the birthday of Emperor Augustus, "the birthday of the god marked the beginning of the good news for the world".
Luke contradicts this propaganda by saying that the coming of Jesus is the real good news and the cause of true joy. The Baptist feels it while still in the womb. The herald angel will announce it on the night Jesus is born.
Elizabeth in the Bible: 8 Life Lessons We Can Learn from Her Story
The story of Elizabeth in the Bible is often overlooked as it occurs parallel with Mary's as she learns she is pregnant with the Lord and Savior, but there is so much richness to this story. In addition, there are quite a few lessons that we can learn from Elizabeth.
Question for Reflection
As an aging woman, Elizabeth's childlessness might have been a source of shame and adversity for her in a society like Israel where a woman's worth was closely linked to her ability to bear children. But Elizabeth remained faithful to God, knowing the Lord remembers those loyal to him. God was in control of Elizabeth's destiny as John the Baptist's mother. Are you able to trust God with the circumstances and timing of your life? The inability to bear a child is a common theme in the Bible. In ancient times, barrenness was considered a disgrace. However, time and again, we see these women having great faith in God, and God rewards them with a child.
Elizabeth was such a woman. Both she and her husband Zechariah were old. Although Elizabeth was past the childbearing years, she conceived through the grace of God. The angel Gabriel told Zechariah the news in the Temple, then made him mute because he did not believe.
Just as the angel foretold, Elizabeth conceived. While she was pregnant, Mary, the expectant mother of Jesus, visited her. The baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy on hearing Mary's voice. Elizabeth gave birth to a son. They named him John, as the angel had commanded, and at that moment, Zechariah's power of speech returned. He praised God for his mercy and goodness.
Their son became John the Baptist, the prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Elizabeth's Accomplishments
Strengths
• Elizabeth was sad but never became bitter because of her barrenness. She had enormous faith in God her entire life.
• She appreciated God's mercy and kindness. She praised God for giving her a son.
• Elizabeth was humble, even though she played a crucial role in God's plan of salvation. Her focus was always on the Lord, never herself.
Life Lessons
We should never underestimate God's tremendous love for us. Even though Elizabeth had been barren and her time for having a baby was over, God caused her to conceive. Sometimes, when we least expect it, he touches us with a miracle, and our lives are changed forever. Our God is a God of surprises.
Before we look at the lessons from the life of Elizabeth in the Bible, let us review her story found in the book of Luke: In the first mention of Elizabeth in the Bible, she is said to be an older woman. As lifespans were drastically different in biblical times, she could be between the late middle and old age. Regardless of how old she was, she was undoubtedly past what anyone would consider childbearing age.
When Zechariah was in the Temple giving an offering to the Lord, Gabriel, the angel, appeared to him and said that he and Elizabeth would soon be parents and that they were to name the baby John. John would grow up to be "great in the sight of the Lord" and bring joy and gladness to them, and many will rejoice because of him.
Mary and Elizabeth could comfort and encourage each other during their pregnancies.
Of course, we know now that Elizabeth's son grew up to be John the Baptist, who ministered "before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah" and was the prophet who prepared the way of the Lord, fulfilling Malachi's prophecy (Malachi 3:1).
Lessons from the Life of Elizabeth in The Bible
1. God is Jehovah Jireh, and He Always Provides
Can you imagine the thoughts going to Mary's head when the angel told her that not only is she pregnant as an engaged woman (the shame!), but this baby is to be the Messiah?
Soon after Gabriel visited Mary, she sought a friend in her cousin, Elizabeth.
God provided for Mary as only God can. He gave her someone who would empathize with her. Someone also with a child. Someone who would "get" the swollen ankles, morning sickness, and even being visited by an angel. They provided comfort for each other as part of God's plan.
We have all heard the story of Elizabeth and Mary, but I think many of us overlook how God provided for Mary and Elizabeth. We should never forget that our God provides and that even today, He is at work in our lives, providing as only He can.
2. Avoid the comparison trap
God graciously favored both Elizabeth and Mary. Each was given a calling to Mother men written about in prophecy.
When Mary came to Elizabeth to share her news, Elizabeth's reaction surprised me. Elizabeth, considered barren and now in her old age, was about to have a baby, AND the angel of the Lord visited her! I mean, that is news! However, instead of being jealous over Mary's news – pregnant with the Son of God – Elizabeth rejoiced for her cousin and that each was a part of God's plan.
How many times have you heard of a friend or family member receiving blessings and wondering why it could not have been you? What about looking over the fence at your neighbor's home and seeing their new car lamenting over the fact that your car is old, barely running, and needs to be replaced.
Perhaps it feels jealous over a friend's job, vacation, fill-in-the-blank. I get it. We tend to look at others and compare them to ourselves and our lack, but what if we changed our way of thinking and, instead, rejoiced with them?
What if we were genuinely happy for how God has blessed others? What if we rested in the fact that we are just the way God wants us? That we have exactly what our Lord says we need?
I am pretty sure we would feel a weight lifted that we do not have to be or look a certain way. God created us just the way He wants. I love this post from Worth Beyond Rubies about comparing yourself to others. In it, the writer, Diane Ferreira, says, "Stop comparing yourself to others – you are chosen for this place." I love that. What a beautiful reminder that God predestined our "lot in life," and who are we to compare what others have or look like to ourselves? God has got this, and we do not have to.
Elizabeth did not have to be reminded of this. She did not fall into the comparison trap. She rejoiced with her cousin over her news.
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" – Luke 1:42-45
3. God puts people in our lives at just the right time
During Elizabeth and Mary's pregnancy, the two women spent their time together for three months. We do not know what they talked about or did together, but we know that they were there for us.
God has a way of putting people in our lives at just the time we need them.
At a time in my life when the door was shut on a very long-term friendship, God placed a woman in my life who was just whom I needed at the time as a friend. She pours into me and strengthens my faith. She and I are walking a similar path, like Elizabeth and Mary, and she is just who I need as a friend in this stage of life. God knew that, and He placed her in my life at just the right time.
4. God always keeps His promises
Elizabeth's name means "God keeps his oaths." (When Elizabeth went years without conceiving, she had no idea that in her twilight years, God would keep His promises to her.)
His kept promise to Elizabeth brought a prophecy to life, and it would go before Jesus to make a nation of Israel.
You may be struggling right now. You may not feel like you are making a difference in the kingdom of God, but God has a plan for you, my friend.
You may not see it now, but He is at work and will always keep His promises!
5. We Should Bless Others Whenever We Have the Opportunity (and not be selfish).
Let us set the stage: Elizabeth learns that she is with child. She is so excited that she can hardly contain it. Mary pops by to share her news, and instead of Elizabeth blurting out her exciting news, she instead blessed Mary with her words.
"You are the most blessed of women, and your child will be blessed."
I do not know about you, but I am guilty of dulling the shine of others, at times. I get so excited to tell my husband about something good that happened in my day that I do not stop and think to ask him how his day was.
I can be selfish. Occasionally, I will go on about my own "stuff" and miss the opportunity to bless others. God is working on me and has convicted me about this.
Can you relate?
Each time you see a friend or family member, think for a moment about how your words can bless (or tear down) someone.
Be a blessing to others through your words.
I am sure that Elizabeth was bursting at sharing her news, but she blessed Mary before saying anything about herself.
6. We Should Look for Opportunities To Give Others a Reason to Praise God
Elizabeth's blessing to Mary caused Mary to praise God.
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
Of the humble state of his servant.
From now on, all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
Holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
From generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
But has lifted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
But has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors."
Luke 1:46-55
Elizabeth's words of blessing caused Mary to break out in praise.
When people are around you, are you a source of encouragement? Or are you a sourpuss? Do your words cause people to praise God? Do you bolster their faith?
Think before you speak and, whenever possible, let your words and behaviors prompt them to praise our Heavenly Father!
7. Remember That God Still Performs Miracles
Elizabeth's conceiving in her old age was undoubtedly a miracle. God was clearly at work.
Each week, I hear from readers who share miracles that God has performed in their life. Marriages restored. Illnesses healed. Financial needs met. God is at work among us and continues to perform miracles.
Our God is a God of miracles, and He delights in performing them for His dearly beloved children.
Take a moment to think of any miracles God has performed in your life. Write them down. Thank Him for each one. He still performs miracles, and I know He has something big planned for you.
8. Choose Joy Instead of Jealousy
So, we have covered that Elizabeth chose to bless Mary and was thrilled for her news. Instead of being jealous, she was humbled and overjoyed for her cousin.
Of course, Elizabeth felt honored by God with her pregnancy, but instead of feeling jealous that Mary had an even more incredible blessing (I mean, she was pregnant with the Messiah!), she, instead, was truly happy for her.
Jealously can cause emotional and spiritual degeneration. It ruins friendships. It causes families to break apart. It causes strife in the workplace.
When we focus on God and build our faith in Him, we can rest in knowing that He is doing what is best for us. We know that He is working all things for His good. We can know that He is working in our lives and that He has His own timing that we can't begin to understand. We then, do not feel jealous.
