One Job

Elizabeth

She become Pregnant

Seclusion for five months

Luke 1:25 NASB95

25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”

Mary

6th month Angel Gabriel came to Mary

Tells her she is going to have a child

Luke 1:31–33 NASB95

31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

But how, I am a virgin?

Virgin - young girl - doesn’t make sense.

Not doubt but seeking understanding.

Not like Zacharias. Never hear from in the bible.

Luke 1:36 NASB95

36 “And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.

Luke 1:37 NASB95

37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Luke 1:39–40 NASB95

39 Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

Gabriel mentioned to Mary that God had blessed Elizabeth with a child.

Planted the seed for Mary to go see Elizabeth.

Wanted to find someone to talk about what was coming.

Don’t get me wrong, Mary was all in.

Luke 1:38 NASB95

38 And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

but she would have had concerns. She would have wanted someone to give her some encouragement.

Luke 1:41 NASB95

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Babies kick and move and stretch in the womb. I remember when Martye was pregnant with Katie, Martye would tell me that she was stomping on her bladder.

But here we are told that the baby leaped.

Jump for joy.

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is like she is speaking for John the baptist through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:42–45 NASB95

42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

God Confirms His Calling

God used Elizabeth to confirm the calling of Mary

A calling from God with never contradict Scripture.

A calling from God will always be accompanied by His peace.

A calling from God will always bring Glory to Him.

A calling from God is often accompanied by confirmation.

That is what Elizabeth does here for Mary.

Regarding my own calling to preach.....

My mother-in-law had declared to Martye that she believed the God was calling me to preach.

My own mother asked the questing: Do you think God is calling you to preach.

Martye - probably gave me the greatest confirmation: I’m not getting between you and God.

Whatever it is that God is calling you to do. Or whatever you are feeling led by the Holy Spirit to do. Or even, whatever decisions you have to make, big or small, run through this list:

Does is line up with Scripture?

Do I have a peace about it?

Not have I talked myself into something

Not- Has He eliminated all doubts.

Obeying God will stretch us.

Obeying God will always require faith.

Does is Glorify God?

Seek confirmation.

Believing family members

Mature Christians.

Proverbs 12:15 NASB95

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

God shares His glory with those that obey Him

Elizabeth declared “Blessed are you among women”

Praised.

We don’t seek our own Glory

Romans 5:2 NASB95

2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 8:16–17 NASB95

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

If God provides the burden, He will provide the rest.

Luke 1:56 NASB95

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

Have you ever seen two women that love each other interact? They are so much better than we are, men, about talking, lifting each other up.

Two guys get together and there is going to be a competition of some sorts. Not that much with women.

If a group of women get together and play cards or something, and then you ask later, who won? Oh, I don’t know.

When Mary went home, she was refreshed.

Matthew 11:29–30 NASB95

29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Tell that to Stephen......Stoned to death.

Don’t underestimate the value of Joy and Peace.

The weight of a guilty conscious is heavier than anything that God will ask you to cary.

Misserable millionaires.

Charles Spurgeon - I would bear any affliction rather than be burdened with a guilty conscience.

If you are struggling:

Go back to the Cross.

Deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me.

Repent

Forgive

Share your burden with believers.

Christians love to serve. It is the DNA of the Holy Spirit that we are indwelt with when we are saved. “The Son of Man didn’t come to be served, but to serve”

God listens to the prayers of His people.

If you the only time you show up at church, or call someone is when you need something.....That’s going to get old.

God is worthy of Praise

Luke 1:46–55 NASB95

46 And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. 51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. 53 “He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty-handed. 54 “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”