It’s one of my favorite scenes in the Bible. I have read it and studied it over and over, but every time I study, I find something new.
Today I thought it was humorous and interesting that Luke felt it important to write about the loudness of Elizabeth’s proclamation. In a loud voice she exclaimed…I wonder if Mary was trying to get Elizabeth to be a little more discreet. “Shhh…Elizabeth, hold it down! I’m not ready for the world to know!” Well, that’s not what the Bible tells us. But if I had been Mary, I might have been trying to calm my relative. But I was not Mary.
The joy bubbling up in both women could not be contained. They were loud. They were excited, and the Holy Spirit filled them both to overflowing. Prophecy flowed from their mouths. I wonder if this memory is one Mary would often go back to as Jesus’ ministry began to unfold. I’m sure she held onto it when all seemed lost.
God is good like that. He gave her tangible evidence even though she did not ask for it. He knew she would need it in the beginning and in the end. This is good stuff, but these words…this sentence…well, it goes deep into my spirit.
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
Mary believed. She would’ve believed without the gift of Elizabeth’s pregnancy or knowledge of her secret before she had a chance to tell her.
She believed.
How I pray for more faith and less doubts when it comes to my role in this life. Gabriel has not stood before me, but I know what God has placed in my heart.
How I pray this for all of us.
We are blessed when we believe.
Much grace and peace,
andy
