What does it mean to be blessed? Have you considered that? Do you believe you have been blessed? What would it mean if you were especially blessed? What if God blessed you for a specific purpose? How would you react? Would others know your blessing?
When Mary came calling on Elizabeth, Elizabeth immediately recognized the blessing Mary had received. Though Mary had left nearly immediately after Gabriel had foretold her pregnancy, Elizabeth knew Mary was pregnant and knew Gabriel’s message.
Elizabeth did not know of her own accord. She was filled with the Holy Spirit who revealed the news to her. She knew not only that Mary was pregnant, but that she carried her Lord in her womb. This is very significant and it confirms the prophecy Gabriel had given Mary.
Since Zechariah, the priest who Gabriel had foretold of John’s birth, had gone home with Elizabeth and was rendered mute, he could only sit and listen to the exchange between Elizabeth and Mary. He likely had a wide variety of thoughts going through his mind. God had sent a messenger to proclaim his forthcoming work.
Not only was Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit, but so was John, whom she carried in her womb. John being filled with the Holy Spirit was the fulfillment of the prophecy Gabriel had given Zechariah. This was proven when John leapt in her womb as Mary came in.
I pray we all feel blessed. I pray we recognize the blessings of God for us and others. I pray each one of us understands the blessing of Mary’s faith and her willingness to be God’s chosen servant. Feel blessed. Recognize God’s blessings. See Mary’s faith. Be willing to be used by God.
Luke 1:41-43 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?”
Marty Pressey 