Have you ever been in the middle of a problem, or had such exciting news you wanted to share it with that one person who would understand, rejoice, empathize?
When Mary heard the news that she was carrying the Messiah who did she run to?
Her cousin Elizabeth.
Luke 1:39-45
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Elizabeth was quite a bit older than Mary. She was a respected woman in her community. She was married to Zechariah who was an elderly priest. Because of their ages, it was a complete shock when Elizabeth became pregnant. While she was pregnant, she was visited by Mary who is believed to have hid in their home to protect herself from the stigma of her pregnancy out of wedlock.
Elizabeth knew that her son, John the Baptist, was destined to be amazing. Then her cousin visited her carrying the expected Messiah, the Son of God! What a baby shower that would be!!
Friendship is a wonderful thing. I've always told my children that your friends will make you or break you. When you're facing temptation your friends should give you the whack in the head to avoid it. If you're going through something hard, your friends should help you through it with wisdom and patience. If you're celebrating something great, they should be right beside you celebrating with you.
Luckily, my kids have chosen their friends well with God's protection and Mom and Dad's diligent prayers.
Mary had a friend she could run to during what seemed like one of the hardest and unsure times of her life. Elizabeth loved her and counseled her wisely I'm sure.
We all need a friend like Elizabeth!
Love y'all,
Linda
