A journey that is filled with anticipation and even excitement may be one you remember as a child, going to see family that lived a distance from you. How eagerly you may have looked out of the window of the car, train or plane…to see if you could recognize landmarks. The holidays are fast approaching…family and friends are anticipating being with those they love. For many it means looking forward to sharing love, meals, and being together.
Mary must have been excited and anticipating spending time with Elizabeth for she was family! Both had experienced God working in wondrous ways.
Mary must have felt a kinship with Elizabeth…who else had experienced such a miracle? Who else could be a great encouragement to Mary at such a time?
The Lord had given Elizabeth and Zacharias a baby, yet to be born…when it was impossible due to their ages. The Lord would give Mary a baby…when it was impossible because she was a virgin. After Gabriel had told Mary about the baby she would carry to term, he also told her
Elizabeth was going to have a son.
(NASB) Luke 1:39 “Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah,”
Mary hurriedly left Nazareth in Galilee and traveled south to Judah. Scripture does not say that anyone went with her…remember that geographically, Samaria was between Galilee and Judea, so she would probably have gone around Samaria as was the custom. It would have been logical for her to have some kind of protection on this journey.
Where is your journey in life taking you? A follower of Christ’s journey begins when the Lord Jesus is received into their life as Savior. This journey is not always easy; however, God promised that He would be with us; in the name He gave Jesus. Immanuel (God with us)
(NASB) Luke 1:40 “and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.”
Mary’s destination was accomplished…what could she expect from this relative? Open arms and hospitality? I would think she was anticipating a visit of joy and encouragement with full acceptance.
Where are you going in your life? What destination do you have in mind? Are your thoughts, words and actions toward your own ideas or do you keep the Lord Jesus and God’s word at the center of your life?
A family is important because they are people who love us. And for the believer in Christ Jesus, a church family is important. If you are without a church home, prayerfully and actively look for one where God’s word is spoken from the pulpit and expressed through the activities in the church. Then have at least one area where you are participating in this family.
(NASB) Luke 1:41 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Elizabeth and Mary both experienced the power of God – for Elizabeth through her husband Zacharias and for Mary through the overshadowing of the Most High. (See Luke 1:35)
God the Holy Spirit revealed to Elizabeth the special favor He had given to Mary. When Mary entered Elizabeth’s home, immediately God prepared the way for the two women to connect and have an understanding of the greatest event in history.
Who do you count as a beloved fellow Christian with whom you have “˜connected’? If you do not have such a friend…ask God.
