|
Elizabeth's Profile
In societies like Israel, in
which a woman's value was largely measured by her ability to bear children, to
be aging and without children often led to personal hardship and public shame.
For Elizabeth, a childless old age was a painful and lonely time during which
she remained faithful to God.
Both Elizabeth and Zechariah came from priestly families. For
two weeks each year, Zechariah had to go to the temple in Jerusalem to attend to
his priestly duties. After one of those trips, Zechariah returned home excited,
but speechless. He had to write down his good news, because he couldn't give it
any other way. And what a wonderful surprise he had for his wife - their faded
dreams would become an exciting reality! Soon Elizabeth became pregnant, and she
knew her child was a long-hoped-for gift from God.
News traveled fast among the family. Seventy miles to the
north, in Nazareth, Elizabeth's relative Mary, also unexpectedly became
pregnant. Within days after the angel's message that she would bear the Messiah,
Mary went to visit Elizabeth. They were instantly bound together by the unique
gifts God had given them. Elizabeth knew that Mary's son would be even greater
than her own, for John would be the messenger for Mary's son.
When the baby was born, Elizabeth insisted on his God-given
name: John. Zechariah's written agreement freed his tongue, and everyone in town
wondered what would become of this obviously special child.
Elizabeth whispered her praise as she cared for God's gift.
Knowing about Mary must have made her marvel at God's timing. Things had worked
out even better than she could have planned. We, too, need to remember that God
is in control of every situation. When did you last pause to recognize God's
timing in the events of your life?
Elizabeth's Strengths and Accomplishments
1. Known as a deeply spiritual woman
2. Shown no doubts about God's ability to fulfill his promise
3. Mother of John the Baptist
4. The first woman besides Mary to hear of the coming Savior
Lessons from Elizabeth's Life
1. God does not forget those who have been
faithful to him
2. God's timetable and methods do not have to conform to what we expect
Elizabeth's Vital Statistics
1. Occupation: Homemaker
2. Relatives: Husband: Zechariah. Son: John the Baptist. Relative: Mary.
3. Contemporaries: Joseph, Herod the Great
Key Verses
"But why am I so favored, that the mother of my
Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what
the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:43-45).
|