Today my Wednesday Women comes from Luke 1-2. It is the story of Mary, a young woman, filled with the Spirit, who gives birth to our Savior that touches my heart in so many ways. Here in Luke we also find the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They are old and Elizabeth has not been able to have children, but an angel of the Lord comes to share that good news is coming. They will have a son and his name will be John. John was to come before the Savior, Jesus. He was to pave the way for our Savior. It was no coincidence about Elizabeth being pregnant. Don't you love how God just seems to make a way and place all the pieces together for us?Now, here is Mary, a young woman by any one's standards. It never says how old Mary was, but we know she was young. She was young and was about to marry Joseph. Can you see the love story before our eyes here? Joseph has found the love of his life, they are promised to be together. Mary is probably giddy as she shares with others the love she feels inside. Here are two humble, loving people, living before others in a holy manner and now Mary is visited by an angel. Can you imagine? Here an angel pops up and tells her she is going to have a baby, but not just any babe, the Savior of the world. I can imagine for a moment, she thought, "Wow, how exciting!!" Then reality hits her. What will she tell Joseph? They haven't been together. What will she tell her family, and friends? How will she explain? A young woman, holy, pure, and about to be married, is now pregnant. Can you imagine the gossip around town? The looks? Joseph is about to divorce to Mary quietly. He is not sure what to think until an angel of the Lord comes to him also. Explaining, and reassuring him to just trust. Do you think Mary felt alone? Do you think she was fearful? I cannot imagine being in her place, but there was someone who could, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was that friend we all want to have by our sides. No judgement, just love. I can see them grabbing some tea and having a seat, opening their hearts and sharing. As Elizabeth is sharing her wisdom and I am sure her fears, she allows Mary to open up, letting lose all those feelings she has kept inside. What I see here is friendship. Two kindred spirits together in God's plan to bring Him glory. I see love, respect, and honesty. Can a friendship last without honesty? No, it cannot. I imagine they shared tears and much laughter together. We know that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before returning back to her home.
I see two women before us that were obedient to God. They didn't follow their own hearts, even as what before them was difficult to say the least. They opened their hearts to God and followed Him.
In Luke 1:76-80 it says; "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. John grew up and became strong in the spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel."
Now, lets go to Luke 2:28-35 "Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God saying, Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of your people Israel! Jesus' parents were amazed at what as being said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but He will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. A sword will pierce your very soul."
We have two families, two women who gave birth to two sons. Those two sons were destined to live and die, to give and to shine a light. One was to pave the way, shining a light before him, and the other was the Light for all to see, who gave all He had for you and I.
As parents we want to protect, defend and love our children. These two women lifted their sons up to God for His blessing upon them. We can see love, and mercy. These two women were mothers we should all hope to be. They knew when to hold their babies, and when to let go and let God. I love reading about Elizabeth and Mary. Two women, side by side, through it all, loved, laughed and experienced great joy and blessings, because they followed God, living for Him, setting themselves apart from the world.
As women we have many great joys. We have the joy of being mothers, of watching our children grow. One great joy is friendship, and these two ladies had a friendship to last a lifetime, a bond that nothing could break. As women we can make a difference in this world just by being who God created us to be. Today as I shine a light upon these two women, may our light shine a little brighter. May we too find ourselves in the presence of the Lord, following and living for Him.
