Rev Gav
What can we learn from Elizabeth?
After the angel told Mary about her cousin Elizabeth being pregnant, Mary went to visit her in the hill country of Judea where she stayed for about three months. We have to remember that it was quite a journey, and because there were no phones or emails, and no Messenger or WhatsApp, there was no way that Mary could call ahead. It must have been the most amazing scene when they met!
When I wrote the Hip-Hop Gospel I tried to get some of the excitement into the verses:
A few days later Mary hurried to Judea
To the town in the hills of Liz and Zechariah
Mary found the pad with her heart fast beating
She entered the house and gave Lizzy a greeting
As soon as Mary entered the room
The child jumped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb
God was willing, the scene was thrilling
With the girlies in the house the Holy Spirit was a-filling
Lizzy gave a shout and cried out to her cousin
“God has blessed you Mary, above all other women!
Your child is blessed and you’ve come to see
You’re the mother of my Lord, why do you honour me?
When I heard your voice my baby jumped for joy
Surely there’s a blessing on your baby boy
And blessèd are you Mary because you choose to believe
To perceive and conceive what only God can achieve”
They would have been so excited to see each other; laughing and weeping with happiness, and the unborn John even gave Elizabeth a good kick for joy! Elizabeth then told Mary how Mary had been blessed by God.
This pronouncement of blessing was a prophecy and she could do this because she was filled with the Holy Spirit, for it is God who inspires prophecy. It is worth noting that In Luke’s gospel, when someone was filled with the Holy Spirit they proceeded quickly to speak inspired words or proclaim boldly God’s Word. This filling was temporary, as in the Old Testament, but from Pentecost on, the Spirit became a permanent possession of God’s people. Even after Pentecost, the New Testament writers still used the expression ‘being filled’ when someone spoke a word of prophecy or was courageous in speaking out for Jesus.
Elizabeth’s prophecy is fivefold:
- God has blessed you above all women (i.e. you are the most blessed of women).
- Your child is blessed.
- Why am I so honoured, that the mother of my Lord should visit me (emphasis on ‘mother of my Lord’).
- When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.
- You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.
Despite only appearing in this chapter there are four important faith lessons we can all learn from Elizabeth’s story, but before we do, here is a quick reminder and glimpse into Elizabeth’s life:
“In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.” (Luke 1.5-7)
Even after the passing of many years, and when all hope is lost, we can trust in God’s goodness and plan.
- God had noticed Elizabeth’s life of dedication and service. Every moment of our lives and how we live matters. How we live in the here and now counts.
- Our most significant role may be in the future. Even with advancing years, God may have something new for us to do. Our own most significant moment of ministry may be in the future, and as yet completely unknown to us..
- For those that are parents, carers, or guardians, the time and energy invested in raising children is never wasted, but for all of us, our most valuable ministry may well be having input into the life of another person.
- Finally, Elizabeth finished by saying Mary was blessed because Mary believed that what God has said to her will come true. Belief and trust in God is a choice and choosing to believe is a blessing! Have you ever considered that you might be blessed by God, purely on the basis of the choices you make?
What is God saying to you today as you read or listen to this message?
Perhaps you are fed up, stuck in a difficult situation or have a burden to carry. Life is difficult or painful. Elizabeth’s story is a reminder to hang in there and, with the help and support of others, to stay strong. Lean into your church community whether online or in person because we are not meant to do this thing called life on our own.
Perhaps you feel that so far your life has not been as significant as you hoped, that you long for God to use you but that it is too late, and you are getting older. Well, Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that God is a God of surprises and may well not be done with you yet. Your future is not yet written and you are on the cutting edge of history (‘His story’).
Perhaps God is reminding you of someone you are to love and support — perhaps a child or children — and Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that this is your primary calling and vocation. Who is it that pops into your head when you read this? Perhaps this is God reminding you to be there for them because they need you and you are important to their physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual wellbeing.
Perhaps you are longing for or seeking God’s blessing, hoping for a touch from God, longing for that inner peace and joy, well, today, perhaps God is simply asking you, like Mary, to believe and trust, and that if you do this, God’s blessings will follow.
Whichever it is, may you know God’s blessing upon you, may you be honoured, and may you know the love, peace, and joy of Christ.
Amen.
