Mary and Elizabeth

39 Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias 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 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘Bless are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. 

Mary and Elizabeth knew that something significant was happening to them. How is it that two simple women of humble means could be right in the middle of the most significant event in the history of the universe? 

But to this one will I look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word, Isaiah 66:2b. 

The context of this verse in Isaiah is interesting. The people aspired to build a great and elaborate temple for God to inhabit here on earth. But the Lord said, Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? 66:1. The Lord tells them they are silly to think that they could build a temple that God would want to dwell in. So, God tells them where he desires to dwell?  

God is looking to dwell in the heart of a person who is humble and who is in awe of God’s Word. 

So, where is the Son of God to dwell as he develops within the womb? Within whose womb will the Messiah grow? Amazing to consider the Lord of the universe will develop within the womb of a humble Hebrew girl. 

Stages of Growth – Month 1 

As the fertilized egg grows, a water-tight sac forms around it, gradually filling with fluid. This is called the amniotic sac, and it helps cushion the growing embryo. 

The placenta also develops. The placenta is a round, flat organ that transfers nutrients from the mother to the baby, and transfers wastes from the baby. 

A primitive face will take form with large dark circles for eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat are developing. Blood cells are taking shape, and circulation will begin. The tiny “heart” tube will beat 65 times a minute by the end of the fourth week. By the end of the first month, your baby is about 1/4 inch long – smaller than a grain of rice!
Source: Cleveland Clinic

God didn’t choose Mary because she was divine. Mary is not to be worshiped or exalted. God didn’t choose her because of grandeur or divine endowment or human greatness. God found a humble young lady who meditated upon God’s Word with awe and wonder. 

But to this one will I look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word, Isaiah 66:2b. 

We are not to worship Mary, but we can certainly look to her as an example of Christlikeness. When Mary heard what Gabriel told her was to happen, she simply responded with faith and humility. Elizabeth commended Mary for her faith.

 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. 

Father, we confess that we often focus on external ways to please you. Maybe not building elaborate and ornate temples for you, in a literal way. But we do sometimes drive ourselves through guilt to act religious, follow rituals or religious activities in order to earn Your favor. How silly we can be. Instead, Lord, remind us that You dwell in us by our simple faith. And You are able to use us for true service when we are most humble and are eyes are upon You and Your holy Word. Thank You that intimacy with You is not found in striving and in works, but in simple, heartfelt devotion to You. Amen!