In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luk 1:39-45)
These two women are beautiful examples of humility. There is no doubt they were strong women. Elizabeth endured nearly a lifetime of unanswered prayer. She was likely viewed by others as unfavored because of her barrenness. And we can easily imagine the scorn Mary endured for being with child before the "official" wedding ceremony.
Strong women, yes, but we see no evidence that they were bold or pretentious. Rather it is their humility that shines through in these early murmurings of the Christmas story.
We saw yesterday Mary's humble response to the angel's message. She was terrified and likely confused about all that was about to happen, yet she doesn't question God about His timing. (Couldn't You wait until I'm married, Lord?) She knows the message is from God and she responds with acceptance and humility: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
For nine months she was blessed to carry our Lord inside of her womb; in nine days we greet Him once again!
Those of you who have had children know the joy of the quickening of the baby within you. Elizabeth's joy was doubled! She had waited her whole life for this child. And now, her child leapt for joy at the voice of Mary, the mother of the long-awaited Messiah.
Unlike her husband, Zechariah, she doesn't grouse at God for taking so long. I imagine that her joy and thankfulness overshadowed any bitterness or resentment that might have grown in her heart as she waited those long years.
Two women receive the gift of a child. One is barely a child herself and one is in the autumn of her life. Elizabeth's baby would change her life. Mary's Son would change the world.
As we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus let us consider all those other things for which we wait. Let us view them in the light of His coming. In the light of His "already but not yet". Let us remember that the truth of the waiting is that His timing is perfect. So is the gift.
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you read something here that inspired you, I’d love to hear about it. Please know I appreciate every comment! Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, June