Friday May 31st, 2019 The Visitation Luke 1:39-57
"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." (verse 45)
I recently read a novel that included several characters who had been struck by lightning. These people were drawn to each other, as only somebody with the same experience could really understand what they were going through.
It strikes me that Mary and Elizabeth are no different. Who else would Mary go to except a woman who also had experienced a miraculous conception initiated by God? After all, both Mary and Elizabeth had pretty unbelievable stories to tell. And so we get this glimpse of Mary’s visit where two Spirit-filled women sing the coming of a loved one.
At the same time, their shared experience extends to others from all times and places. They are the lowly who have been lifted up, the ones who have received God’s mercy, and the hungry who have been filled. They are the descendants of Abraham who have been blessed in order to be a blessing to all nations.
Ultimately, both Mary and Elizabeth are blessed through their faith in God’s word to them. May we, too, believe God’s Word to us and experience the blessing that comes with it, through the Holy Spirit.
Life-giving God, your Spirit continues to breathe life into your people. Fill us with the Spirit of your love, and make us aware of your blessings. Amen. — LLH
Contributed by A shared experience
I recently read a novel that included several characters who had been struck by lightning. These people were drawn to each other, as only somebody with the same experience could really understand what they were going through.
It strikes me that Mary and Elizabeth are no different. Who else would Mary go to except a woman who also had experienced a miraculous conception initiated by God? After all, both Mary and Elizabeth had pretty unbelievable stories to tell. And so we get this glimpse of Mary's visit where two Spirit-filled women sing the coming of a loved one.
At the same time, their shared experience extends to others from all times and places. They are the lowly who have been lifted up, the ones who have received God's mercy, and the hungry who have been filled. They are the descendants of Abraham who have been blessed in order to be a blessing to all nations.
Ultimately, both Mary and Elizabeth are blessed through their faith in God's word to them. May we, too, believe God's Word to us and experience the blessing that comes with it, through the Holy Spirit.
