Elizabeth's Legacy {Luke 1:5-80}

 Elizabeth:  Luke 1:5-80

Elizabeth only appears in this first chapter of Luke, but I could easily find at least five legacy lessons through her story here. Perhaps you were able to find more and I hope you’ll share them with us.

OK, here goes:

 1.) I believe Elizabeth demonstrates that God is Jehovah- Jireh and He will provide for us. 

Notice what the angels says to Zachariah, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth” (Luke 1:13-14). We aren’t privileged to see Elizabeth’s initial reaction when she learns that she is finally carrying a child after all these years of praying, but Elizabeth’s story tells us that we can never give up praying for the things we long for. Are you currently be held in the waiting room just now? I pray Elizabeth's story will be an encouragement to you. 

2.) God keeps His promises

The name Elizabeth actually means “God keeps His oaths”. He not only kept His promise to Elizabeth, but He brought the prophecy found in the Book of Malachi to life!

If you are struggling right now, waiting, wondering if God will ever answer, Elizabeth’s life is telling us to hang on! Keep trusting, for we may not see it now, but He is at work and will always keep His promises!

 

 3.)  God Still Performs Miracles

Both of the babies found in this chapter were miracles, but the people of that day would all view Elizabeth conceiving a child in her old age as a miracle right away. God was clearly at work then and is still at work today. Miracles are happening all the time and we need to be on the lookout constantly!

 

4.) We Should Bless Others Whenever We Have the Opportunity

 Notice, Elizabeth has learned that she is with child. She is so excited that she can hardly contain it. Suddenly, Mary comes to visit and shares her own exciting news and, instead of Elizabeth blurting out her own news, she chooses to share in Mary's excitement and blesses her,  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:42-45)

Elizabeth’s blessing to Mary caused Mary to praise God,

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-55

But all of this praise could have gone sour quickly if Elizabeth had allowed jealousy to destroy her joy.

5.) Don't Allow Jealousy to Rob You of Your Joy

Both Elizabeth and Mary were graciously favored by God. Each were carrying precious men the world had been longing for.  I know Elizabeth was elated, yet when Mary came to Elizabeth to share her news that she had been visited by the angel of the Lord, and was now pregnant with the Son of God – Elizabeth rejoiced for her cousin, and that each were a part of God’s plan.

 

Have you ever been guilty of learning of a friend or family member receiving a blessing and wondering why it couldn’t have been you? What about looking over the fence at your neighbor’s home and seeing their new car, or new pool or summer home and lamenting over what you have rather than being excited for them?

 

I believe we all  have a tendency to look at others and compare them to ourselves and our lack, but what if we changed our way of thinking and, instead, remained grateful for all we've been given and were able to rejoiced with them and cause them to rejoice as well?

 

What if we could actually rest in the fact that we are just the way God has created us? We have all that God desires for us to have at this moment. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be free to simply be happy and share in other's happiness?

 

I believe this is the greatest takeaway from Elizabeth's life? How about you? I'd love to hear what you've discovered!

Blessings! 

sue