What a gift this was for Mary! No words could be sweeter to Mary's ears. . .
A big part of this story I've always focused on has been the relationship between John and Jesus. John was the one who would come before Jesus and get them ready for the Lord. It would be John preaching to the people a message of, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:2 John's important role was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, "I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way". But now I pause for a moment to consider the relationship between their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary.
Elizabeth was old. Older than other first time mamas. Mary was young. Maybe not as young back then as our culture would think of her now. But the age difference was huge. And yet, God used that age gap in a way that blessed them both.
1.Elizabeth got to experience motherhood despite her being "too old". What a joy this was for her!
2.Elizabeth was also used by the Holy Spirit to offer not just assurance to Mary (who certainly needed it!) but blessing. I loved the paragraph that starts - How Mary needed to hear that word of blessing. And the sentences - She would be tempted to suspect that God's favour had been called off. It was also for those future times that God arranged this inspired greeting just for Mary. Knowing how the whole story goes, Mary would need this! What a gift ...
3. Elizabeth was in a position to mentor Mary like no body else could - not even Mary's own mother. Mentoring is such a God-pleasing and Biblical practice that is shown here so beautifully between these two new mother's, both with their unique, amazing story.
4. I can't help but think that Mary's youth was her advantage. Her childlike faith hadn't been tainted by year's of "the ways of the world". Perhaps this is what she was able to offer to Elizabeth - her innocence and simplicity.
I loved the words the author used to describe how we're brought to faith. This too is a gift - the greatest gift!
Dear Lord, I thank you for your gift of faith that you started in me at my baptism when I was just an infant. I believe that Jesus lived a perfect life for me, suffered for my sins, rose from the dead and conquered death and the devil for me - that I may live with you eternally! I am amazed and grateful for this lasting comfort. As I live my life with this knowledge, help me to raise my children to know Christ, to hunger for your Word and to desire a heavenly home. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Mothering Like Mary:
We hear words of wisdom from Lisa again, whom we first met in chapter 1. She mentors us as she honestly shares what's on her heart. She gives of herself even as her life fades. Her own children offer her a focus on the simplicity of faith. In turn, she looks for ways to serve others even as her own health fails and she's the one who needs to be served. Dying doesn't take away you ability to serve, it just changes it. She's even able to appreciate the empathy that her own children have learned from this and how this will enable them to help others. What perspective!
Ponder:
Who has mentored you in your faith, like Elizabeth did for Mary? Thank God for that person.
My mom - without a doubt:) When I was a young mom, I struggled with finding regular quiet time to be with the Lord. In an effort to encourage me, we had a phone date once a week at the same time (during baby's nap time) to go through the book The Gentle Art of Mentoring. We read a chapter ahead of time and then worked through the questions together. We talked about things that wouldn't normally come up in conversation and I gleaned much needed insight! Through the years, we would occasionally keep that sort of phone date and work on other studies and books. I am so thankful for my mom!
My friend, Karen, has been my pastor's wife mentor and friend. She relates to life in the church, she has offered godly mothering advice, marriage encouragement and a ready ear for when I call and announce - we have to talk! I am so grateful for this friendship!
Thanking God for the faith that we share, sisters!
2 comments:
All the times I've read this section of the Gospel of Luke, and I've never thought about WHY Mary hurried to visit Elizabeth! Of course - because the angel told her that Elizabeth was going to have a baby! Do you think Mary told her family and they sent her to Elizabeth with gifts and messages of congratulations? Surely she wouldn't have traveled by herself all those 80 miles!?!?!?
Thank you, Rachel, for including the link to information about the Women's Ministry Conference. It is sure to be an enriching experience for all who are able to attend!
And sometimes we are mentored by those younger than ourselves.....Rachel :) Mary's presence and song of oraise was surely a blessing and encouragement for Elizabeth. It is the same in our lives. The Lord often give us the gift of friendship that knows no age limitations. Truly a blessing.
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