45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation. (full text here)
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation. (full text here)
Pregnant women love to get together and talk about their pregnancies. Usually we compare morning sickness, stretch marks, baby gymnastics, and what I have never experienced - magical nesting energy. But this meeting between Mary and Elizabeth must have been amazing. Elizabeth's baby was a miracle in many ways and was to be a prophet in a land that had waited 400 years for a direct word from the Lord. The Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth as she cried out a blessing over Mary and her child. Even her preborn child lept in her womb at the appearance of the preborn baby Jesus. What an encouragement this must have been to Mary. Remember that as yet she did not know what Joseph's response would be to her situation. Even with her strong faith, surely she had some fears in her mind in the midst of her supernatural peace. Immediately after Elizabeth spoke, Mary sang praises to God for his faithful mercy that extends to his people from generation to generation.
Despite their age difference, Elizabeth must have been a trusted friend. Even though she hurried, Mary likely journeyed at least three days over the 80-100 miles from Nazareth to the hill country. Mary stayed with Elizabeth until the birth of John, likely helping her elderly relative with chores as she waddled through that tiring third trimester. (Can you imagine being a pregnant senior citizen??)
How wonderful that these two ladies were together to ponder the miraculous news surrounding their firstborn sons. They had each other on which to lean as they dealt with pregnancy symptoms, a mute husband, and qualms that must have been in Mary's mind about her unmarried state.
I am thankful in my own life that through easy and difficult times God has provided me with wonderful friends and family. As we go through our daily lives, let us seek opportunities to be an encouragement to others and in tune with the Holy Spirit to speak truths into their lives.
Let us not give up meeting together, as is the habit of some, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
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