We’ve been looking at the birth of John, which if I’ve done my math right….he is born about 6 months before Jesus is born, because Mary visited Elizabeth in her 6th month and Mary had just conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. We’ve seen some very personal and small picture interactions with angels and people….then Zacharias prophesying to a group of friends and relatives from the region of Judah about the coming Peace, Rescue and Salvation.
Today, we are going to get even bigger picture…the known world bigger- Rome.
Luke 2:1-5
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
Rome was considered the world power of the times. Rome ruled…everything. Many things changed under Roman rule. Taxation, a standing army who really knew their stuff and the roadway systems were totally overhauled and re-worked during this time. Life was hard under Roman rule and expensive. In the midst of this, Caesar demands a census…for the purpose of taxation and expanding the empire. Rome must know what Rome must have. So the decree goes out and there are no “exemptions” or “get out of taxation cards” for anyone, so Joseph and Mary (a VERY pregnant Mary) travel to the city of David, Bethlehem.
There was no other reason that Joseph and Mary would leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem except by a decree of a powerful authority…I am SURE if given the choice, staying home would have been at the top of their list, but there was no choice. Off to Bethlehem they go. If this was me, I would be thinking; how annoying- how inconvenient- how troubling and troublesome!
Unless, there is an even greater decree of an even more Powerful Authority…One Who is authoring the decrees of world leaders. Yes, there is. The Most High God is fulfilling a prophecy given of the Messiah 700ish years before in Micah 5:2 (quoted in Matthew 2: 5-6, so evidently the Holy Spirit when inspiring the Word agreed this is prophecy fulfilled).
Think on that…. When Caesar Augustus and any other Roman big-wigs thought up the idea of a world-wide census, it was God moving and working. Getting Mary and Joseph right where they were supposed to be for the birth of Jesus. It was not seemingly inconvenient or burdensome…it was strategic and intentional. It was a total God-thing. Big picture, little picture…God is in control. Working, moving, initiating….speaking.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Look Who's Talking Now- Part 2. Luke 1:67-80
Zacharias’s mouth is un-muted and he is praising the Lord, but then….he is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. Remember there has been a 400 year silence to the nation of Israel….this boy, John the Baptist will be the final Old Testament prophet. He will be the mouthpiece of the word of God announcing the WORD of God’s arrival - Jesus.
The Spirit filled Elizabeth when she spoke to Mary, but that was in a very private setting…still amazingly precious but nonetheless private. This setting is different….it is public; news has traveled from friends and family to the region about the birth John and how miraculous it is. Now Zacharias’s unmuted mouth is speaking Truth…Truth about what is to come. Things are going to be publically quiet for quite a few more years, at least 30 or so, until the pubic ministry of John starts, introducing the public ministry of Jesus.
So look at the words and see the significance of what the SPIRIT is testifying too. It is SO powerful and speaking of the Truth of what the New Covenant is going to do because of the finished work of Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. I’ve bolded the amazing Truth that the Spirit is speaking about what the New Covenant will accomplish…it’s a pubic peak into the plan of God. Salvation from our true enemy- sin.
Luke 1:67-80
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant— 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old— 71 Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; 72 To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, 74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; 77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, 78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, 79 TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Jesus is our Peace, our Salvation and our Rescue from our enemy, darkness and death. What mighty Spirit- filled words of the Hope of our Salvation….even to the Gentile. What a blessing!
The Spirit filled Elizabeth when she spoke to Mary, but that was in a very private setting…still amazingly precious but nonetheless private. This setting is different….it is public; news has traveled from friends and family to the region about the birth John and how miraculous it is. Now Zacharias’s unmuted mouth is speaking Truth…Truth about what is to come. Things are going to be publically quiet for quite a few more years, at least 30 or so, until the pubic ministry of John starts, introducing the public ministry of Jesus.
So look at the words and see the significance of what the SPIRIT is testifying too. It is SO powerful and speaking of the Truth of what the New Covenant is going to do because of the finished work of Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. I’ve bolded the amazing Truth that the Spirit is speaking about what the New Covenant will accomplish…it’s a pubic peak into the plan of God. Salvation from our true enemy- sin.
Luke 1:67-80
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant— 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old— 71 Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; 72 To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, 74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; 77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, 78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, 79 TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Jesus is our Peace, our Salvation and our Rescue from our enemy, darkness and death. What mighty Spirit- filled words of the Hope of our Salvation….even to the Gentile. What a blessing!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Meanwhile Joseph...
The Luke account simply says in Luke 1:56; “And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.” Meanwhile…Joseph her betrothed was back at home. Doing what? Waiting, wondering, worrying and maybe even seething a bit? Again, not exactly sure of the timeframe of things…did he find out about her pregnancy before, after or during her 3 month visit with Elizabeth? All we know for sure is 3 months is a long time… to be in “meanwhile” mode. All the plans have changed.
I suppose it could be any or all of those worrying things he was doing, but we know from Scripture that he was righteous, kind and loving by not wanting to disgrace her. We also know that he was afraid…when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, first words again….”do not be afraid” but it is very specific, don’t be afraid “to take Mary as your wife; for the Child Who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, what Mary has told you is true.
My paraphrase; She is preggers (that is my word for pregnant) but she has not be unfaithful…it’s the reverse, she has been found highly favored and is now carrying the Son of God- Immanuel, God with us. He was told it’s a boy! His name is to be Jesus (in case he didn’t believe Mary) and here is another amazing and stupendous piece of the mystery…not only as the angel had told Mary will Jesus will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. He will be given the throne of David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. He will have a kingdom that will have no end. (Luke 1:32-33) but also, “He will save His people from their sins.”
Joseph is on his own faith journey….one that involved being an earthly father to a heavenly Son, who will, in turn, do all the work required by God Almighty to save him from his sins as well. Joseph awoke from the dream and “meanwhile” was over. He acted and did as the angel of the Lord commanded…he “took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”
I suppose it could be any or all of those worrying things he was doing, but we know from Scripture that he was righteous, kind and loving by not wanting to disgrace her. We also know that he was afraid…when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, first words again….”do not be afraid” but it is very specific, don’t be afraid “to take Mary as your wife; for the Child Who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, what Mary has told you is true.
My paraphrase; She is preggers (that is my word for pregnant) but she has not be unfaithful…it’s the reverse, she has been found highly favored and is now carrying the Son of God- Immanuel, God with us. He was told it’s a boy! His name is to be Jesus (in case he didn’t believe Mary) and here is another amazing and stupendous piece of the mystery…not only as the angel had told Mary will Jesus will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. He will be given the throne of David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. He will have a kingdom that will have no end. (Luke 1:32-33) but also, “He will save His people from their sins.”
Joseph is on his own faith journey….one that involved being an earthly father to a heavenly Son, who will, in turn, do all the work required by God Almighty to save him from his sins as well. Joseph awoke from the dream and “meanwhile” was over. He acted and did as the angel of the Lord commanded…he “took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”
Mary Rejoices...
Today I’m just imagining what Mary must have been thinking and feeling. She has been totally shocked by the news of her new assignment, being the virgin mother of the Lord, she has submitted to God…then she hurriedly went to her relative Elizabeth’s home in the foothills of Judah and received Spirit filled confirmation from her. Indeed she was a blessed woman and this Child was blessed. As you read her rejoicing response to all that is taking place, look at the text and see what she speaks of the character of God. The bolding emphasis is mine in the following text…but think about what she states about God’s Character as she exalts the Lord. She chose to rejoice...and she knew the Character of her God.
46 And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my SaviorM.
48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50 “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53 “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my SaviorM.
48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50 “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53 “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Friday, December 9, 2011
Mary ran, Elizabeth gets filled...Luke 1:39-45
I love this section of Scripture, it’s just so precious. Seemingly impossible news has been given….a virgin is going to give birth to the Son of God and Elizabeth an old barren woman is going to bear the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist. Mary beautifully submits to the word of the Lord as His bondservant and then runs (or went in a hurry, runs sounds better) to Elizabeth’s, as she walks in and Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit….the Spirit and the leaping baby in her womb fill her.
Have you ever been 6 months pregnant before? Can you even imagine how this would have felt? A baby leaping for joy and the mother being filled with the Spirit all at the same time? For real?! I had some pretty strong kicks with my babies…but leaping? I can tell you right now, this has never happened before and this is huge. Not just pregnant huge, but huge in the sense of God is doing very new and very profound things….because this baby Jesus is going to change everything!
Upon her Holy Spirit experience, Elizabeth gets an even bigger glimpse of God’s purposes and responds; “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? …Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
Elizabeth's spiritual eyes are opening. She recognizes that her Lord is present, within the womb of Mary and she also recognizes the simple yet profound faith of Mary in believing what the angel had spoken to her…Mary was blessed not only because of Who she is carrying but also because of the faith that she had to believe it was going to happen. In all this, Elizabeth is blessed as well by the filling of the Holy Spirit and seeing, catching a bigger glimpse of what God is doing for her and for the world. How precious and gracious of the Lord…to both of them.
Have you ever been 6 months pregnant before? Can you even imagine how this would have felt? A baby leaping for joy and the mother being filled with the Spirit all at the same time? For real?! I had some pretty strong kicks with my babies…but leaping? I can tell you right now, this has never happened before and this is huge. Not just pregnant huge, but huge in the sense of God is doing very new and very profound things….because this baby Jesus is going to change everything!
Upon her Holy Spirit experience, Elizabeth gets an even bigger glimpse of God’s purposes and responds; “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? …Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
Elizabeth's spiritual eyes are opening. She recognizes that her Lord is present, within the womb of Mary and she also recognizes the simple yet profound faith of Mary in believing what the angel had spoken to her…Mary was blessed not only because of Who she is carrying but also because of the faith that she had to believe it was going to happen. In all this, Elizabeth is blessed as well by the filling of the Holy Spirit and seeing, catching a bigger glimpse of what God is doing for her and for the world. How precious and gracious of the Lord…to both of them.
Mary said Luke 1:34-38
Can you even imagine how overwhelmed Mary must have been given all this information?? She, a virgin, was going to carry the Son of God in her womb. He was going to be great with an enduring eternal kingdom. The Lord was with her and she was told to not be afraid. Mary said and addressed the obvious, “how can this be, since I am a virgin?” How is this even possible, literally? She understood the biology involved here and her question was one of genuine understanding…how?
The Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will conceive….at the fullness of time, Jesus was going to be born of a woman and born under the Law by the power of the Holy Spirit. “For not any word, nothing will be impossible with God.” Nothing, including a virgin birth. Nothing, including God being made flesh to dwell among us. Nothing is impossible with God.
Then Mary said….amazing words. Worshipful words. Words of submission….and humility. “Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” Deuteronomy 15:12-17 talks about the concept of being a bond-slave, a voluntary slave joined permanently to a master’s household, by choice. Mary chooses the place of a bond-servant, she bends the knee in her heart, mind, and will to submit to God Most High. What beautiful words of humble servant hood. It was going to “cost” her greatly…on many levels. It was an amazing task, I understand…but think about it from an earthly perspective, there would be much speculation and potentially much trouble, yet she bends her heart and knee, “I am your servant….do as you will”.
The Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will conceive….at the fullness of time, Jesus was going to be born of a woman and born under the Law by the power of the Holy Spirit. “For not any word, nothing will be impossible with God.” Nothing, including a virgin birth. Nothing, including God being made flesh to dwell among us. Nothing is impossible with God.
Then Mary said….amazing words. Worshipful words. Words of submission….and humility. “Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” Deuteronomy 15:12-17 talks about the concept of being a bond-slave, a voluntary slave joined permanently to a master’s household, by choice. Mary chooses the place of a bond-servant, she bends the knee in her heart, mind, and will to submit to God Most High. What beautiful words of humble servant hood. It was going to “cost” her greatly…on many levels. It was an amazing task, I understand…but think about it from an earthly perspective, there would be much speculation and potentially much trouble, yet she bends her heart and knee, “I am your servant….do as you will”.
Jesus, He will and He is. Luke 1:32-33
Gabriel visits Mary with greetings, encouragement, big news (really big!) and comfort. He tells her; the Lord is with her, she is going to have a baby and she doesn’t need to be afraid. Then he goes on to tell her a little bit about Who she is going to birth.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
1. He will be great.
2. He will be called the Son of the Most High.
3. He will be given the throne of David.
4. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
5. He will have a kingdom that will have no end.
These are five very powerful statements about who Jesus will be. Don’t you think there were some expectations as to what this should “look like”? 30ish years later as He hung on a Roman cross….would this seem true? Jesus is the promised Messiah. He is God, in flesh. I think what hits me the most is; these five statements are totally true, He is King of kings and Lord of lords….but He is coming as the suffering Servant to die for sin and that is going to look very different to the human eye and perspective yet it does not change the truth of these statement one bit.
Jesus came to satisfy and walk out the righteous requirements of the Law, willingly die in order to pay the price of sin and take upon Himself the wrath of God and be raised again to life from the dead. His first coming looked very different than what was expected ….but His death, burial and resurrection proved that the statement s are exactly Who Jesus is. He is great. He is the Son of the Most High. He has the throne of David. He is reigning over the house of Jacob forever and His Kingdom endures forever….
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
1. He will be great.
2. He will be called the Son of the Most High.
3. He will be given the throne of David.
4. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
5. He will have a kingdom that will have no end.
These are five very powerful statements about who Jesus will be. Don’t you think there were some expectations as to what this should “look like”? 30ish years later as He hung on a Roman cross….would this seem true? Jesus is the promised Messiah. He is God, in flesh. I think what hits me the most is; these five statements are totally true, He is King of kings and Lord of lords….but He is coming as the suffering Servant to die for sin and that is going to look very different to the human eye and perspective yet it does not change the truth of these statement one bit.
Jesus came to satisfy and walk out the righteous requirements of the Law, willingly die in order to pay the price of sin and take upon Himself the wrath of God and be raised again to life from the dead. His first coming looked very different than what was expected ….but His death, burial and resurrection proved that the statement s are exactly Who Jesus is. He is great. He is the Son of the Most High. He has the throne of David. He is reigning over the house of Jacob forever and His Kingdom endures forever….
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Mary Richly Blessed! Do not be Afraid. Luke 1:26-31
I really cannot even imagine the day (or night) of this historical event, when Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth, to Mary…an engaged young virgin. Gabriel came in and said to her, “Greetings, favored one (you who are richly blessed), The Lord is with you.” I find it very interesting that Gabriel’s address was so personal. It was a non-threatening greeting, a statement of how fully graced she was and then the statement, “The Lord is with you.” That was an understatement considering He was going to be “with her” in a whole new sense really soon….as a baby in her virgin womb.
She was stunned, confused, perplexed, wondering and pondering, to which I say…REALLY!?! I would have been fainted on the floor! Immediately though she was comforted…”Do not be afraid, Mary.” Do not be afraid. I’m not Jewish and you and I can’t really think Jewish but Mary was and she knew the Torah, she has heard all the stories of the Old Testament, she was devout. So when an angel appears with this kind of word I’m thinking fear was an understatement as well! Yet she was told to not be afraid.
As we know Mary treasured and pondered all these things (and all the things to come) in her heart. She treasured them, held onto them….remembered them. What is told to someone at the beginning of a journey is usually very important and this is no exception. She’ll have to hold on to the Truth given her and remember it for a long time. “The Lord is with you” and “Do not be afraid.” The God of the Universe knew exactly what she needed to know…like you and I, I’m sure she would have liked more information (she’ll get a little more, but that is what we’ll look at tomorrow ) than she got but in His Grace, Love and Sovereignty He gave her what she needed.- Out of the gate, at the start of the journey Truth. The Lord is with her, she will never be forsaken…and she need not be afraid. What blessed words…
She was stunned, confused, perplexed, wondering and pondering, to which I say…REALLY!?! I would have been fainted on the floor! Immediately though she was comforted…”Do not be afraid, Mary.” Do not be afraid. I’m not Jewish and you and I can’t really think Jewish but Mary was and she knew the Torah, she has heard all the stories of the Old Testament, she was devout. So when an angel appears with this kind of word I’m thinking fear was an understatement as well! Yet she was told to not be afraid.
As we know Mary treasured and pondered all these things (and all the things to come) in her heart. She treasured them, held onto them….remembered them. What is told to someone at the beginning of a journey is usually very important and this is no exception. She’ll have to hold on to the Truth given her and remember it for a long time. “The Lord is with you” and “Do not be afraid.” The God of the Universe knew exactly what she needed to know…like you and I, I’m sure she would have liked more information (she’ll get a little more, but that is what we’ll look at tomorrow ) than she got but in His Grace, Love and Sovereignty He gave her what she needed.- Out of the gate, at the start of the journey Truth. The Lord is with her, she will never be forsaken…and she need not be afraid. What blessed words…
December 5th....Disgrace Gone, Luke 1:18-25
Well, the 400 year silence is broken to an old priest with a barren wife, with news of the birth of the forerunner of the Messiah’s, what an experience! Zacharias can hardly believe it (no really he can’t!) and questions Gabriel. The response? Well let’s just say Zacharias mouth was shut for a good long time! As he is delayed within the temple the people start to wonder what is going on and when he comes out mute. Well, there is a lot of speculation. Imagine the trip back home once his duty of service is over. Imagine trying to “explain” all this to Elizabeth. She’ll get the picture soon enough I suppose, when her old barren womb is alive for the first time.
As we look at Elizabeth today and then in a few more days….imagine the disgrace she had felt for literally years- feel it. In a culture that said women’s value was simply what they could produce she had to have been looked down upon with distain and judgment by many, both men and women…especially women. At first glance she responds with human eyes…eyes that simply see a desire and dream come true and a type of oppression lifted but she also sees God grace. Luke 1:24-25, “After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, ‘ This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.’”
God had certainly graced her and shown favor but it was so much bigger than simply her disgrace among men. Earthly eyes simply see our oppression and dreams that die here….His eyes, spiritual eyes see the true disgrace that will be take away as Messiah dies for the sins of Elizabeth. She will catch a glimpse of it and oh….what great grace that will be. Elizabeth is relieved from her human disgrace but the promise of the removal of spiritual disgrace is also given…Through the Messiah Jesus Christ, all our disgrace will be taken away- the disgrace of sin.
I just love how personal and patient and yes, gracious the Lord is in His dealing with people. She was thrilled to be pregnant and I’m sure very set free from the distain of men….but soon her Messiah will be in the womb of her close relative and that day she will see a bit more clearly the hope of genuine permanent grace, grace that is greater than all our disgrace… true disgrace that will be taken away by the shed blood of the Lamb.
As we look at Elizabeth today and then in a few more days….imagine the disgrace she had felt for literally years- feel it. In a culture that said women’s value was simply what they could produce she had to have been looked down upon with distain and judgment by many, both men and women…especially women. At first glance she responds with human eyes…eyes that simply see a desire and dream come true and a type of oppression lifted but she also sees God grace. Luke 1:24-25, “After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, ‘ This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.’”
God had certainly graced her and shown favor but it was so much bigger than simply her disgrace among men. Earthly eyes simply see our oppression and dreams that die here….His eyes, spiritual eyes see the true disgrace that will be take away as Messiah dies for the sins of Elizabeth. She will catch a glimpse of it and oh….what great grace that will be. Elizabeth is relieved from her human disgrace but the promise of the removal of spiritual disgrace is also given…Through the Messiah Jesus Christ, all our disgrace will be taken away- the disgrace of sin.
I just love how personal and patient and yes, gracious the Lord is in His dealing with people. She was thrilled to be pregnant and I’m sure very set free from the distain of men….but soon her Messiah will be in the womb of her close relative and that day she will see a bit more clearly the hope of genuine permanent grace, grace that is greater than all our disgrace… true disgrace that will be taken away by the shed blood of the Lamb.
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