Christmas Miracles: Miracle Confirmation

    

Luke 1:39-45

 

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."

NKJV

 

After the angel's visit, Mary left quickly to go to her cousin, Elizabeth.  Thanks to the announcement of the angel, Mary knew that the Lord had performed a miracle in the life of someone  else that she knew.  How merciful God is to give us the confirmation that we need when He calls us to do something bigger than ourselves.

The Bible records that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt and she was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy about the Christ's birth.  Until the birth of Christ, people were not filled with the Spirit continually, but rather, with occasional dispensations for specific purposes. This is a rare time that a woman was filled and the only time I can recall that an unborn baby is touched by the Holy Spirit.  This is indeed a special circumstance, a miracle of the power of God as the most pivotal point in  history, up to this time, unfolds.

 In verse 4,  Elizabeth confirms that Mary is carrying the Messiah. I know this verse must have brought such encouragement to sweet, innocent, Mary.  Likely she would encounter many people during her pregnancy who would question her virtue and the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy.  I love that the Lord cares not only about His will coming to pass, but also about the vessels who are carrying out His will on Earth.

 I love verse 45, because God is using Elizabeth to commend and further encourage Mary's faith .  Here is the element of belief. Elizabeth acknowledges the faith of Mary.  She discerns by the Spirit of God that Mary has believed the angel's proclamation and is walking in faith concerning God's purpose for her life. 

The story of Christmas is full of so many miracles. The miracle of the forerunner. The miracle of the virgin birth.  The miracle confirmation brought to Elizabeth through Mary. There are many other miracles that occurred as well.  God is a supernatural God.  Everything He does is above our understanding and filled with His supernatural essence.   When He allows us to participate in His plan, His resources  are without limit.  We can trust in Him.  He has it under control.

Dear Lord, thank you for walking through life with us.  Thank you for the encouragement and confirmation you bring to us.  Help me to be a person of great faith as Mary was.   In Jesus' Name.  Amen.