Elizabeth: Mom of Perspective




Elizabeth is one of my favorite women in Scripture. Her story is in the first chapter of Luke. She is the wife of Zacharias, the mother of John the Baptist, and a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. But when we first meet her she, like so many woman we have studied, carried a heavy burden. Luke 1:7 says Elizabeth and Zacharias were childless and advanced in years. But even before we learn of their difficulty, Luke tells us about their character in verse 6, “They were both righteous before God, walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” Elizabeth George writes, “Dear one, there is no other way to endure difficult times and remain righteous, obedient, and blameless but to visit with the Lord and look to the Divine One… daily, diligently, and devoutly.”



Elizabeth was faithful when it was hard to have faith. We often think we should get what we think we deserve; or at least, others should get what they deserve. Luke tells us Elizabeth was righteous and blameless. She must have felt like she deserved a child. All Hebrew women wanted to be the mother of the promised Messiah.



My pastor husband counsels many people, and he has sat across the table from a few who have said, “I have done everything right and my life (marriage, family, children, job…) is still a mess.” At the root of this comment is entitlement. “I did it right and God owes me.” Elizabeth could have easily spiraled downward into bitterness as she thought about what God owed her for being righteous and blameless.



But a life free from trouble is not promised in the Bible. In fact, we are told to expect the opposite. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). God did have a special plan for Elizabeth. She obviously trusted in that. Elizabeth George explains, “Only the Lord and the knowledge of Him could have given her a cheerful heart, strength for her work, and the determination to glorify God in all she did, including suffering.”



One day when Zacharias was serving in the temple, the angel Gabriel visited him and announced that Elizabeth would have a son, and they should name him John. But John would live an unusual life with a unique purpose. He would be the forerunner of the Messiah, as prophesied in Malachi 4:5,6. John would have the spirit and power of Elijah! Even while in his mother’s womb he would be filled with the Holy Spirit! Remember, this is before Pentecost when the Spirit began to dwell in men and women at their salvation. Zacharias was confused and probably scared. Gabriel rebuked his doubt and Zacharias was mute until after John was born. Imagine Elizabeth’s response when Zacharias came home from his service in the temple. We know later he communicated by writing on a tablet. He must have been writing furiously to relate the story to her. Elizabeth soon conceived and hid herself for five months while this precious life was growing inside of her.



God had heard her pain and responded in His time and through events that could only have been orchestrated by Him. God gave her strength for each day and she never lost her faith in Him. Elizabeth George challenges us with this thought, “What contributed to her faith and faithfulness? Perhaps—and possibly and probably—it was a daily devotional time.” Each day she had to go to the source of living water to quench her desires and pain. Each day she needed to be reminded of God’s love and faithfulness to her and all His people. Each day, filled with struggles big and small, we also need to refresh and recharge. The best way is to spend time in prayer and scripture meditation. Let God’s Word fill you and refuel you each day. Just as He had a divine purpose for Elizabeth, He also wants you to follow His way and find His purpose for you!