Devotion:
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Luke is the “reporter”, but this is Mary’s story. If we could rewrite these verses in the first person of Mary’s voice, I believe we could hear the urgency, excitement, adventure, healthy fear, wisdom and sense of holy mystery in her voice! Verse 39 might read, “I got ready (as fast as I could) and hurried down to a town in the hill country of Judea!” If we were interviewing her, we might ask? Did you go by yourself? How did you find your way? Were you afraid? How did you know their hillside address? Did you have internet service all the way to Judea into the hill country?
The Angel named Gabriel had let Mary know that Elizabeth, even though she was said to have been barren, was expecting a son too. Mary knew that her relative Elizabeth would somehow know and understand her own story, so she went to her.
Again, if we could re-write verse 41, we can hear Mary’s rejoicing. “When Elizabeth heard my greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit!” This miracle which God had accomplished was now both known and confirmed by these two Mothers-to-be!
These two Mothers-to-be would both experience ridicule. But they would be a help to each other to receive God’s wisdom and faithfulness during these three months, which would be a help to them throughout their lifetimes. Their experiences and teachings would no doubt carry profound influence upon John-the-Baptist and Jesus. Their sons would bring good news for the ones ridiculed and marginalized!
Luke 2:51b says, “His Mother treasured all of these things in her heart.” This is Mary’s story and witness to the world! Dr. Charles L. Campbell writes, “The coming of the Messiah who will redeem Israel is anticipated and proclaimed, not by archangels or high priests or emperors or even ordained preachers. Rather, two marginalized, pregnant women---one young, poor and unwed, the other far beyond the age to conceive---meet in the hill country of Judea to celebrate (and probably commiserate about) their miraculous pregnancies.” Their faith ran deep, and they both knew, “For nothing is impossible with God.” God had let Mary know through Gabriel that Elizabeth would understand her story. Elizabeth would give Mary wisdom and encouragement.
Personal Worship Option:
God understands your story. In these moments of stillness and quietness, how might God be leading you to give understanding to another?
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