‘Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.’
Luke 1: 56
Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin had conceived in her old age. Everyone had called her barren, but here we find her six months pregnant – a miracle. An old lady, a barren old lady pregnant. Probably looked down upon because of her childless state and now possibly laughed at because of her present condition.
Mary, a child, a youth. Elizabeth well past the age of child bearing. Both carrying a miracle child given by God. Both experiencing their first pregnancy. Both well blessed by God. Both cousins and the fact Mary stayed three months suggests they were good friends.
What did they do during that three month period? I imagine what women who are close to each other do best … talk … talk to their hearts content. Share their hopes, fears, dreams. Confirm God in the other.
Tell it as it really was. Encouraged each other in their faith, their relationship with God. Hold each other up to God in prayer and get to know and love each other better than ever.
Sometime ago a best friend of mine bought me a card that read: ‘You will always be my friend … You know too much’! Smile we might, but as we look at the friendship between Mary and Elizabeth I think we are left with the challenge to choose our friends well and pray:
‘Help us to help each other Lord
Each others cross to bear
Let each his friendly aid afford
And feel his brothers care’.
SASB 662 v. 1
Charles Wesley
Major Glad Ljungholm
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