I would like to mention two notable women in the Bible who believed in, and trusted God.
The first one is Elizabeth, who became the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth was the wife of Zachariah, and she was a descendant of Aaron the priest, Moses’s brother. Luke 1 tells the story- “They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, for Elizabeth was barren, and both were far advanced in years.” (Verses 1:6-7)
Zachariah was on duty to burn incense in the sanctuary of the temple when an angel appeared to him and explained to him that Elizabeth would have a son and that they must name him John (meaning God is favourable), that John would be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord. He would be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, even in and from his mother’s womb. Also, that he would cause many of the sons of Israel to turn to God.
What a wonderful message from the angel, with a promise regarding his destiny. Not only would John become a blessing to his parents in their old age, but he would also be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Zachariah doubted this promise, because he was so advanced in years and Elizabeth was barren. His doubt caused God to strike him dumb until John would be born. For five months Elizabeth secluded herself entirely, saying in Luke 1: 25, “The Lord dealt with me and took away my sorrow among people.” Although difficult to believe, Elizabeth trusted God and waited for the wonder of having a child in old age.
The second woman we discuss is Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus. The same angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and Joseph.
Like Elizabeth, Mary was also from a noble bloodline. She was a descendant of the house of David. When the angel appeared to her, she was greatly confused and disturbed by the words of the angel who told her that she had found favour with God and that she would become pregnant and would give birth to a son, and she should call His name Jesus. Mary asked the angel how it could be possible, since she had no husband.
The angel replied in Luke 1:35-37 – “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you and create life in you. Therefore, the one that will be born of you shall be called the Son of God. And listen, your relative Elizabeth, in her old age has also conceived and is now in her sixth month, she who was called barren. For with God nothing is ever impossible, and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfilment.”
These two women were from different generations. Elizabeth was really very old, past the age of bearing children. Mary was a teenager.
Both women carried very special children, representing the next generation. Elizabeth carried her burden for years and was mocked by people for being barren. Mary could be stoned to death by being pregnant out of wedlock, as it would be seen as a scandal. Her fiancé wanted to forsake her. (Matt 1:19) but the angel visited Joseph also and calmed his fears and told him to marry innocent, pure Mary.
For both women, their situations appeared sorrowful but ended in joy because they fully trusted the Lord.
When Mary visited Elizabeth’s home, the baby in her womb leaped for joy and Elizabeth, under the control of the Holy Spirit, broke into praise, giving glory to God, singing – “Blessed is she (Mary) who believed that there would be a fulfilment of things that were spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1: 45)
Mary also praised God in Luke 1, saying – “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant…His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation…” (From Luke 1:46-50)
Dearest Lord, thank You that You were very mindful of these two precious women whom YOU chose to carry two very special persons who would change the course of history. One of them would proclaim Your coming, and the Other One would redeem our souls and make a way for us to enter the glory of our heavenly Home. Help me to also praise and magnify Your name, like Mary and Elizabeth did, even during times of hardships, doubt and uncertainties. Thank You, Father, that You see the bigger picture and can turn our sorrows into joys.
Myrtle Erasmus