Luke 1:39-56
The time is now. God's order has been given, the way is prepared, and the Holy Ghost is ready to move in. Are we ready, Church? Today, let's look at two women in the New Testament who were ready and willing to go God's way.
Mary, for one, is not consumed with an agenda of avoiding shame or embarrassment of her situation. Rather, she responds with an attitude of one who loves, respects, and honors God. Mary runs miles and miles to greet her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country. She runs with joy to share the grace of our Lord Jesus with one whose desire is to know the way of Jesus. Do you see the gathering of the Church to glorify God? What is the result? Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Ghost as she is greeted by Mary. Hallelujah! Mary is filled with Jesus; Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Ghost. They feed each other, encourage each other, and see Jesus in each other. The baby in Elizabeth's womb even leaps with joy. Today, we can surely leap for joy as we see Jesus in another.
Now Elizabeth, being the priest's wife, and well advanced in years, could easily entertain feelings of jealousy and entitlement. Instead, she humbles herself and sees Jesus in Mary. By the grace of our Lord Jesus, Elizabeth sees Jesus, and even her younger cousin Mary, as greater than herself. Mary, in turn, responds with praise to God. As you read her song, note how it grows in thankfulness to Jesus, for not only saving her, but praising Him for the mighty God that He is—praising Him for His mercy, His holiness, His goodness, His righteousness, and faithfulness to His own. Mary gives testimony to how Jesus is growing her, A Very Sure Thing. Psalm 111:9&10.
I never before saw the magnitude in the gathering of these two women. They believe the Word of God. They help grow each other in the Ways of Jesus. They sing praises to God. One carries God Himself, and another carries the one who prepares the way of God. I see this growing today as I gather with my Church. This time is treasured, for sure. Church, it is time to arise, run, go, and grow each other into Jesus Christ. Mary did not leave a Very Sure Thing and return to a separate life. She stayed with Elizabeth three months before going to her own house. Can you imagine the faith, the trust, and the belief in Jesus she took with her when she returned home? Two hearts, content to be with Jesus, in fact, enthusiastically ecstatic to be with Jesus and each other before delivering the fruits of their labor into the world.
Grow and go in the Way of the Lord today. It's magnificent! Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and the true Church – A Very Sure Thing for Sure!
~ Cheryl Helgert
