After Mary had been visited by Gabriel and told of her pregnancy as well as Elizabeth's, she went and stayed with Elizabeth for quite some time. In every way it was a visit that had a joyous and earthly meaning, with a heavenly stamp of protection, nurturing, and care on its form. The reunion of these two women was one full of joy and silent understanding. But also one of rejoicing. Mary was not a mangled mess of emotions, but instead, she was praising God and magnifying His name and wondrous works. Mary was carrying the Savior of the World in her womb and Elizabeth was carrying John the Baptist, His forerunner, in her womb. Both a miracle performed by Jehovah Himself.
The visit to Elizabeth was one that was used twofold in the life of Mary. Elizabeth's understanding, comfort, friendship, and rejoicing were much needed for Mary who had been shunned and ousted due to dishonor and ridicule that surrounded her. Scripture doesn't say, but Mary could very well have been rejected and abandoned by her family – the ones who should have loved, protected, and supported her. This could have been a very alone time and discouraging time for her, but God never leaves us alone. He is always with us and He was with Mary. Elizabeth was one who understood what was taking place and was a true source of comfort and nourishment for Mary during this time.
Elizabeth's home also served as a safe haven for Mary. In that day and time, the dishonor of one's actions or sins was not just on an individual basis, but affected the entire group - the family. It was cataclysmic and had a ripple affect. Because of this dishonor, especially having a child out of wedlock, it was not uncommon for one to be stoned or harm brought upon them for the act. But, God had each turn and fold in the fabric of Mary’s life worked out, thus He had her nestled safely under His wing of protection for three months in the house of Elizabeth.
Even under that protection and the covering of His wing and the comfort and companionship of Elizabeth, I'm sure Mary was aware of what was out there - the rejection, the possibly hatred towards her, the harm and danger, and the dishonor falling on her name. I’m sure her days with Elizabeth were filled with joy, but in the quietness and aloneness of the night, I’m sure that unwanted tears escaped down her cheeks as tried to assure herself that God was in control and that the He would work it all out in the end. That her silent and alone battle was one that would bring glory to His name, and would not fall flat.
Mary could have questioned God as to why He was doing this, why she was being dishonored. Why bad things were coming of His will for her life. But, from what we see, she didn’t. She served God, she was faithful … she trusted in Him and His plan. She kept her gaze upward and had faith that God would show His glory through it all.
May we be like Mary in that when the times get hard we don’t walk away, instead we look to God and keep pressing forward. Knowing that He never leaves us alone and He is ever watching over us and nurturing us. He has a plan and purpose for each and everything in our life. Through Mary’s abandonment she was given the opportunity to lean solely on God. He was her main man through it all. Even when she had Elizabeth and later Joseph, she still had to keep her focus on God. May we remember that our gaze is to remain upward – through good and bad – trusting only Him to get us through while we rest safely under the cover and protection of His wings. He holds it all in our hands…including our hand. We are never alone. Trust Him. Have faith. The good, bad, and ugly are all primary colors on the color wheel called “All Things”. Through the use of that color wheel we find a beautiful picture that came to be because “…all things work together for good to them that love God…”
To have the faith and trust of Mary – that each thing was part of God’s plan. Strive for that kind of faith and trust…strive to be a Mary.
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