Mary and Elizabeth

God was so gracious in giving Mary some distinct encouragements along the way of giving birth to the Messiah. One of those was to give her close relative, Elizabeth, a child. THE child who would prepare the way for Jesus. In fact, Gabriel told Mary that Elizabeth was with child. Elizabeth had been barren and was now old…but Gabriel said, “For with God, nothing will be impossible.”

Don’t you know it was a sign post to be told Elizabeth was with child? “Hurry!  Go to her! You can encourage one another.” Some theologians think these women were distant relatives. I think they were much closer. Their mothers may have been sisters—even though Elizabeth was old enough to be Mary’s mother or grandmother. If you have a big family, you know how that is possible. But for Mary to want to go to Elizabeth tells me they already had a strong relationship. 

Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb when she saw Mary and she KNEW Mary was the mother of God’s Son. They both praised God! Mary stayed with her for three months. I’m sure they helped and encouraged one another during a difficult time. Who better to help Mary, an unwed mother, than someone who’d endured wagging tongues over her own barrenness? How kind of God to “keep it in the family” by giving the one who would prepare the way of the Lord to Elizabeth, Mary’s relative. 

Mary had many encouragements from God along the way. But somehow…I feel this one was very precious.