|
MARY AND ELIZABETH Luke 1:39-56 Luke 1:39 "And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah." God had a plan for Mary in those days—Mary and Elizabeth. Mary was sent to visit her cousin in those days and her purpose was to glorify the Lord. So, Mary didn't just casually walk to Judah to see Elizabeth; no, she went with haste. Haste means eagerness, earnestness, diligence and forwardness. So, what does all that mean? It means two things: Mary took the Lord seriously, and she traveled quickly to share praises unto Him. Once Mary arrived in Elizabeth's home, the baby in Elizabeth's womb, we're told, leaped for joy. Why? Because the presence of God was there. Elizabeth recognized Mary as blessed among women, and also recognized the child Mary was carrying was blessed. Does this infer that Mary should be praised? No - it means God had shown favor on her and blessed her by putting His Son within her. All of this, in turn, brings praise and worship to God—He made all of this possible. Elizabeth's recognition and Mary's presence only brings more praise to God, for "blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45) Elizabeth says this after she told Mary about her baby leaping in the womb; but, isn't it strange how Elizabeth already knows Mary's news and Mary hasn't said a word? No. God works in mysterious ways, and, with that, let's go back to verse 41 where it says, "...and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, it's not just some "blow off" thing that people ignore. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is a blessing from God—when you're filled with Him, you can't help but praise Him!! Elizabeth was a godly woman, and when the Holy Spirit filled her, she knew it and she wanted to praise the Lord, and nothing could stop her. God's plan for Mary and Elizabeth wasn't for Mary to complain because she came with haste to see Elizabeth and Elizabeth praised the Lord; it wasn't for Mary and Elizabeth to sit and "ooh" and "aah" the way expecting mothers do; His plan was for both Mary and Elizabeth to recognize what He was doing in both of their lives, and, as a result, receive glory, worship, and praise. And, of course, He did receive all three from both Mary and Elizabeth. So, in those days, Mary went quickly to see Elizabeth to give her the good news of what the Lord was doing in her life. Elizabeth praised the Lord for what He was doing, and, although it's not part of my Scripture reference, in Luke 1: 46-56, Mary sings a song of praise to the Lord. This was God's purpose for Elizabeth's praise to the Lord—to also bring Mary to praise Him. This advent season, God is looking, listening, and waiting for us to praise and worship Him; He's giving us loved ones and friends who have Him for us to recognize and praise Him for what He's doing in all our lives. Look to Him - when a Christian friend or family member comes to share Him and His Good News, praise the Lord! He is worthy of all adoration, glory and praise! ~ Nicole Ellis, age 16
|