Mary and Elizabeth

Isaiah 52: 7-9

2 Corinthians 6: 1-2

Luke 1: 39-45

Mary and Elizabeth

Mary visits her relative Elizabeth; they are both pregnant. Mary, a teenager, is pregnant with Jesus and elderly Elizabeth is pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary left Nazareth immediately after the Annunciation and went to a small town near Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to attend her cousin Elizabeth. This was a long, difficult, and actually dangerous journey. It would have taken several days walking to get there. We have no information who traveled with her, but she certainly did not go alone. The journey was about 80 to 100 miles and would probably take Mary at least 10 days.

Many believe the purpose of this visit was to bring divine grace to both Elizabeth and her unborn child. Even though he was still in Elizabeth’s womb, it is said John became aware of the presence of Jesus, the Savior; he jumped for joy as he filled with divine grace. Elizabeth also responded and recognized the presence of Jesus.

It is more likely though, that this young woman was confused and frightened by all that had happened… at least you would be if you were Mary. Who can she talk to about this? Her mother? Her rabbi?  Her rabbi’s duty would have been to turn her over to be stoned to death. The only person she knows who will be able to understand her is relative Elizabeth. Mary is in a hurry to go; that is clear, though I don't think she is entirely motivated by fear. But still, she is just a young teenager, and this is overwhelming. She needs steadying, guidance. But she is probably eager, as well. This whole experience can't help but be almost too much to bear.

For three months, Elizabeth was her instructor and teacher, her friend and confidant, her mentor and advocate. God gave Elizabeth to Mary for a special period of time and a special purpose. I can't help but think that God may have these roles for each of us, too, men and women.

I believe when you find yourself feeling apart from God, God has someone for you who can help and guide us. It's likely that you can find this mentor at church -- that's where God-loving, mature believers usually congregate -- or perhaps a small group related to the church. That is where new Christians usually find the help they need, rather than in the larger congregation during worship. If you are struggling with some aspect of Christianity, or your personal journey with Christ, I encourage you to pray that God would enable you find an Elizabeth-like friend to help you out during this period of your spiritual journey.

At the same time, you may be the mature Christian that God has prepared to be an Elizabeth-like friend to someone out there. You've been through your own share of pain and struggle. You can understand. You can sympathize. But you have now found how to walk with Christ, how to call upon him in need, how to pray. There's someone out there who needs you. Be on the lookout for that person, when God sends him or her along. You have your struggles, to be sure, but that person needs to watch you meet them with the God’s help. That is the purpose of the prayer cards you filled out last year, and will again for next year. It is for you to be an Elizabeth-like help to someone whom God needs you to help.

Such a role may last for only a few days, months, or a few years at the very most. And then that often ends because the person you have befriended and helped has received what he or she needs and now must move on and try his or her wings on their own. Things change. Elizabeth was now a mother -- for her glorious first time -- and it was time for Mary to go home.  After three months, Mary leaves for the long journey home, more certain of her mission, strengthened by the prayers and love from Elizabeth.

If you fill the Elizabeth role for someone, there will be a time for you to rejoice. Rejoice for how God has blessed you, and that God could use you for that special, intimate time. And pray that the gifts and understanding of God that you've passed onto the one for whom you have prayed and whom you have helped might bear fruit in his or her life forever.  Amen