WOMEN OF THE BIBLE SERIES - Elisabeth

WOMEN OF THE BIBLE SERIES

Elisabeth…A Mother Honored (Luke 1:5-7)

Luke 1:5-7, There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Elisabeth was righteous toward God and most faithful to her husband. It is said of both Elisabeth and Zacharias that they were “...righteous before God, walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless." They had a personal faith in God and sought to follow Him every day. They walked with God, following all His commandments and ordinances. Elisabeth was a fit vessel for the forerunner of Christ as she was blameless in every commandment of the LORD. Being blameless does not mean perfect or sinless; it means to be irreproachable or faultless. They were faithful, living in such a way that no one could charge them with open sin. They offended no one; they lived honestly before both God and men.

When we read the life of Elisabeth and her husband, Zacharias, we find them both " well stricken in years." However, wonderful surprises were awaiting this godly couple. God would do what seemed impossible and bless Elisabeth and Zacharias and bring joy into their home through the birth of John the Baptist. Elisabeth became the mother of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Both Elisabeth and Zacharias were of the priestly tribe of Levi. Zacharias’ name means, "the Lord has remembered," and Elisabeth’s name means, "my God has remembered."

Elisabeth was barren. She had no children, and no hope of having any children because both she and her husband were both “well stricken in years”, most likely at least sixty years of age. In their day, sixty was considered the beginning of agedness, and they were likely well past that. God is never late nor is He ever too early. He is always on time, working according to His timing that is always perfect.

God promised them a son and would deliver the promise through His messenger the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:11-13). God promised that at the birth of John, Zacharias and Elisabeth would experience great joy and gladness and many would join them in their rejoicing (Luke 1:14, 58). When Elisabeth visited Mary, “the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost” (Luke 1:41). The Holy Spirit does not fill rebels or renegades. He fills those whose desires are only to please God. Elisabeth would in fact bear a son (Luke 1:57), and they were to name him John (John 1:13, 60) a name that means "The Lord has been gracious" or "to whom the Lord is gracious."

Luke 1:80, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.” Zacharias and Elisabeth raised John for a time. Their faith, their prayers, and the things God had taught them doubtless touched John. That, coupled with the touch of God on his life, helped him become strong in spirit. Luke 7:28, “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” What an honor to John and to his mother, Elisabeth, for Christ to say this! Elisabeth proved to be a great blessing and encouragement to Mary. As Christians, we should never be satisfied with being just average spiritually. We should strive to be obedient to all the commandments of God. When we live within God’s will, loving Him supremely and obeying all His commandments, He will bless us and use us to bless others in ways we could never imagine.

Questions to Consider:

• Have you prayed about something only to think the answer was "No"?
• Are you waiting on God about something now?
• What have you seen in her life that has made an impact on your life?

Points to Ponder:

• The Lord cares about the smallest things and He is working on a big project that includes you.
• Trust His timing and His goodness.
• Remember that His ways are not our ways.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I praise You and exalt You as the Lord of Life. Thank You that Your timing is always right, even when I want You to hurry up. Thank You that You do not bow to my schedule. Thank You that when You say "No" to my request, You are really saying "Yes" to Your best in my life. You are working out Your will. Help me love You more so I can be a blessing to those around me. May I learn to trust You as I wait on Your best. I love You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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