What a Greeting!

N.T.#476  "What a Greeting!"

Jan. 30, 2025 

Luke 1-Part 11 

LET IT GLOW

I tend to think as soon as Mary surrendered to the Lord's will for her to be the mother of the Savior/Messiah, Jesus Christ, she conceived Him. The Holy Spirit came upon her and the power of the Highest God overshadowed her and Mary carried the Son of God inside her. (verse 35)

Why did angel Gabriel share with Mary that her cousin Elisabeth (who had been barren for years and now in her old age) was pregnant in her sixth month? into the hill country with haste Mary went  to visit her cousin. It was some 60 or more miles south of Nazareth in the Judean territory, I wonder if Mary borrowed her father's donkey. Or did she walk with others on their journey to the Jerusalem rea? Surely Mary did not travel alone. However, Luke gives us no details concerning her trip. He doesn't tell us anyone was present when the two women first see each other. Guess it really doesn't matter. We know Mary stayed at the home of Zacharias and Elisabeth for 3 months. The two had some women talk to do. (Evidently Mary stayed until John the Baptist was born.)

Were the events of the last few days real? It takes about 3-4 months before a baby kicks inside its mother. She knows that life is insider her, then. No wondering, no doubt. I recall when I found out that I was pregnant with our first child. It was a glorious, joyful time. What about you?

LET IT GROW

Keep in mind that there were no phones, emails, buses, cars, nor planes. I'm thinking it could have taken Mary up to a week for her to arrive at her cousin's house.  However long it took, Mary would have been exhausted from the trip. (Hopefully, she did not experience morning sickness along the way.) 

Shall we take a close look at the meeting of the two ladies?

• Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary and John leaped in Elisabeth's womb. Saluted means to enfold in the arms; embrace; to welcome. Leaped refers to jump; leap (for joy).
• Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit).(verse 41)
• Before Elisabeth heard the good news from Mary, she said with a loud voice, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. (verse 42)
• Then Elisabeth asked Mary why she was so honored that the mother of her Lord shoud visit her. (verse 43)
• Elisabeth shared with Mary that when she heard Mary's greeting, the baby insider her jumped for joy. (verse 44)
• One more thing Elisabeth said to Mary-You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said. (verse 45)

This was all confirming what Mary had head from the angel. Mary was not the one which Elisabeth praised, but Jesus was being praised. What joy the two ladies shared. The Spirit of God had revealed Mary's news before she shared it. The long-hoped-for Messiah was there in their midst. Elisabeth had received a royal visit from her Lord. (verse 43) Without a doubt, the unborn Messiah had entered Elisabeth's home. 

We will look at Mary's response to Elisabeth's greetings. 

Do you welcome Jesus into your home, workplace, car?

LET IT GO

Come into my heart Lord Jesus.

Walk with me along this road of faith.

Direct my steps, words, heart.

Help me let go of my insecurities and trust You.