December 11, 2024

Luke 1:39-45 (HCSB)
Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry: “You are the most blessed of women, and your child will be blessed! 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me! 45 She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!”

Mark Stephens
A miraculous thing happened upon Mary's arrival. Elizabeth's baby leaped inside her, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary had only presented a greeting to announce her arrival. Elizabeth's mood was pure joy, and she gained wisdom before being told. Mary's journey was multiple miles and dangerous. That is quite an outing for an expectant mother to walk. This encounter was beneficial for Mary and Elizabeth. Uncertainties were unveiled. It allowed them to recognize God's goodness and to calibrate their joy together. Clarity was gained about the significance of her pregnancy, as her coming son would do remarkable things for God. She rejoiced that God had found favor with Mary and that her son was the Redeemer the scriptures spoke of. Mary was chosen to carry and nurture our Savior because of her loyalty to God, and here we see the importance of family. Mary didn't hide after her encounter. She went to be with Elizabeth. What if she hadn't? Is this a model of community? There were calibrations, comforting and encouraging conversations, and the Holy Spirit was in them. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Praise Him, comfort each other, and calibrate what He has done and will do, Temple. The week is half over. Keep going like you got this!