PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 1:39-45
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“As your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:44)
The baby Jesus in Mary causes John in Elizabeth to rejoice.
This is a very unique situation, not one that applies to our lives.
At least not directly… since in a sense Jesus is in me.
The Lord has promised to be me with (us) to the very end.
His Spirit in us, with us, can bring joy to others to.
Notice that Mary didn’t have to do anything but show up and say ‘hi’.
It was Jesus in her that impacted Elizabeth and John.
This is the same for me too, and all of us as Jesus followers.
How else did the first Jesus followers have such an impact on the world?
“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me!” (Galatians 2:20)
Jesus is encouraging me to trust his power at work in me when I show up.
When I speak, when I visit, when I pray, when I work – he is at work!
My task is to remain in him, so that he can work through me (John 15:4)
He’s brought joy to the world for centuries, he will do it through me too!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rest in Your joy, help me to trust in Your joy, and help me to share Your joy. May others leap for joy because of You in me today!
I am sure Mary needed some comforting and affirmation as she took on her special calling. It is so encouraging to read how God wonderfully provided that Mary and Elizabeth would not only be related, but both share in special calling – and so they could bless each other and find such joy in this beautiful way – especially with John be stirred in Elizabeth’s womb at Mary’s voice. If Mary felt alone she no longer was. The love and affirmation for each other is a beautiful story. It is what we hope that we may experience in the community of believers. We see it from time to time and it is a blessing. I know how much I appreciated the company of other believers in lands where Christians are very few.