Originally posted 12/24/24
Elizabeth is a significant figure in the life of Biblical history. She is the first woman mentioned in the book of Luke. We learn significant information about her in Luke 1:5-7, “In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Like many women before her, she was unable to have a child.
An angel appears her husband to let him know their prayers had been answered.
Luke 1:13 tells us, “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.””
Luke 1:18 tells us, “And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.” Their son was set apart by God before his birth. However, Zechariah doubted what God said. He couldn’t see how God would deliver on his promise. God made him unable to speak due to his unbelief. How many times do we not believe God’s promises? Would we have reacted any differently even though we have Scripture to verify God’s faithfulness?
Elizabeth finally conceives in Luke 1: 24, “After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.””There was such a stigma at this point in history when a woman could not conceive.
When the angel discussed with Mary her conception, she was told that Elizabeth also conceived. Mary left with haste to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s baby lept in her womb when she was greeted by Mary. I think we miss the significance of this event. Elizabeth’s unborn baby knew the significance of Christ. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
According to Len Woods in the book 31 Women of the Bible, “Two “impossibly pregnant” women (one elderly and one a virgin) and their two unborn sons (related by blood, connected by calling, and destined to make an eternal difference in the world) combined to make for one great worship service!” p. 92
Luke 1:36 “And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.””
Why is Elizabeth important? We read in [Luke 1:16-17, “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” John had a special purpose which was to prepare the way for Christ to save the world.
Image taken from www.freebibleimages.org
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