When you read the bible, especially a story that is all so familiar to you, God has a way of revealing something to you or open your eyes to the passage in a new light. I believe that’s confirmation that the bible, God’s word, is living, fresh, and applicable to us each day and in various situations in our lives. Well, yesterday God gave me one of those enlightening moments.
My pastor, Dr. Brian Stowe, is preaching a wonderful sermon series titled, “An EXTRA Out of the Ordinary Christmas”. While he was preaching from Luke 1:39-66, and I was taking notes on the sermon, I sort of strayed off for a moment. (Sorry Brother Brian. It was only a couple of minutes.) I was rereading Luke 1:41-45, and I could feel God showing me something EXTRAordinary. I felt excitement over the revelation and wanted to share it with you.
Let’s read Luke 41:45 and learn a quick lesson from Elizabeth, the relative of Mary who was in her last trimester of a miracle pregnancy.
41At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Elizabeth:
- felt The Presence of God. v 41
- was filled with the Holy Spirit. v 41
- spoke with excitement and was happy. v 42
- was honored. v 43
- believed that the baby (Jesus) was The Lord. v 43
- wasn’t the only one who was excited to be in the presence of the Lord. The baby she was caring (John the Baptist) jumped for joy as well. v 41 and 44
- confirmed that this was a promise being fulfilled by God, and that her relative, Mary, is a tool, an instrument used by God, to fulfill His promise. v 45
It is my prayer that you will feel the presence of God with you each day. No matter what your situation may be in life right now, feel honored, blessed, and filled with joy in knowing that God is with you. Much like Mary was carrying Him at this time in the bible, Jesus will carry you through your day. I hope that you will recognize His existence and want to share it with others. Either share your experience through talking, writing, singing, doing, or just being. Allow God’s light to shine in and through you. Be an instrument for God.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie