Sherill McMichael
Luke 1:41-45 NLT
At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Reflection
Zechariah must have told Elizabeth that the child she would carry would be the forerunner to the Messiah, but she couldn’t have known when, or of whom the Messiah would be born. But as Mary walked in and spoke, the Spirit revealed it to her! John, inside of Elizabeth, jumped for joy, filled with the Spirit in the womb, just like Gabriel foretold. Then Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit too, blessed Mary and the Holy One she carried.
What a special moment. Two mothers, both carrying babies with miraculous beginnings and destinies, able to identify with each other as no one else could. And John, already announcing the presence of the Messiah, even before his birth. Surreal!
Elizabeth goes on to say, “Why me?” She was so humbled and honored that she was going to be the mother of this special child, John. How could it get any better! But then, to know the mother of the Blessed Messiah? Her words reveal her heart of joy and worship.
Her comment, “Why me?” is so wonderful, so real. Don’t we all say “Why me?” at times of blessing or struggle? I’ve heard these times called “Moses Moments;” when God leads us on a path that we don’t expect, calls us to a seemingly impossible task. Sometimes we are given opportunities that are ominous, beyond our capabilities. And sometimes we bear great burdens that challenge us to our core.
Throughout scripture we read of many who had “Why me?” moments, such as Noah, Moses, and David. What could be the answer to that question? Could it be because someone needed to survive the flood, free the Israelites, slay Goliath, and in Elizabeth’s case, be the mother of John, and each one of them was uniquely qualified to do the job? God leads His faithful followers on unique paths, for His purposes, and gives us what we need for the journey.
We not deserving of God’s many blessings: the gift of His Son, the outworking of His grace, the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, to name a few. Yet He continues to love us, guide us, and use us in ways we can’t understand. That is the beauty of how God works. He invites us to have a part in His story; to experience His light and let it shine on the world around us.
So let’s each say “Why me?” in awestruck appreciation of the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and share this spirit of joy and thankfulness with our family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate this holiday season.
Prayer
Lord, How can I express my gratitude for the undeserved privilege of walking with you? Please help me to grasp the greatness of what you have done for us. And when I’m faced with my “Why me?” moments, please help me to count it all joy, to give thanks for and through the good times and bad, and to have a heart of praise. Amen
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