Day 21- Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary arose and went in haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah. She entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
I love this passage of Luke’s narrative that follows the dialogue between Mary and Gabriel. After the Angel of the Lord departed Mary’s company, Luke simply states that Mary got up quickly and headed for Zacharias and Elizabeth’s house.
I love the way that Luke captures this moment. Mary knocks on the door and as she is greeting, I’m assuming Zacharias, Elizabeth hears her voice and is filled with the Holy Spirit. This proves that what is in Mary’s belly is of God, born of His spirit. And, it also confirms the prophecy that John will be filled with the Holy Ghost in his mother’s womb.
Luke now records, Then (after she is filled with the Holy Spirit) Elizabeth cries out with a loud voice and says, “Blessed are you (Mary) among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” She then recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord and ponders why should would receive such an honorable visit.
Elizabeth continues, “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb!” Elizabeth knew that God was up to something and that this visit was different. You see, Mary and Elizabeth were relatives, and it wouldn’t have been uncommon for a family member to visit another family member. However, I believe Elizabeth recognized that this was a divine encounter, not a typical occurrence of a regular family gathering or visit. Especially with her being filled with the Holy Spirit and the baby (John) leaping in her belly!
Take Away: Elizabeth continues her dialogue with Mary. She says, “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told to her from the Lord.” She was saying to Mary, great blessings are in store, because you obeyed the Lord! The angels have spoken and now Mary and Elizabeth are in the same house, in the same room, with the promises of Jesus and John in their bellies.
