When Faith Touches Faith

Introduction

I believe we are here by divine appointment—that it is the grace of God upon us, not some random act, that has us in one another’s company and in the presence of the living God.

I understand that it is my assignment to help you further your journey in faith, whether you are just beginning, mid way through, fully mature, or even—especially—at the end of your rope.

Q: on a scale of 1 to 10 what is your sense or understanding that God has a purpose for you? That you have a mission in Christ? 10 is “absolutely sure”. 1 is “I don’t think so; probably not.” 1 to 4? 5 to 6? 7 to 8? 9-10?)

I recognize, from scripture, and from living, that navigating faith in God is a dynamic journey, full of experiences and therefore full of emotion.

I honor where you are today and I support what God is doing in your life (and in the lives of those around you).

Our time together today is the second installment in the series “Emotional Faith“…where we glean lessons, insights, and wisdom from the faith journey of Jospeh, Mary, and Jesus Christ.

Where we enter the text, the angel Gabriel—an angel from God—announces to Mary that she has been chosen by God to birth a son whose name shall be Jesus; Jesus is the Son of God and Jesus will reign in His kingdom.

Mary was a Jewish young lady, a virgin, and engaged to be married.

This announcement identified to Mary a new life that would have biological, romantic, societal, religious, cultural, and political ramifications—consequences I am unsure Mary fully understood; nonetheless, this young woman’s response was, “Behold, the maindservant of the Lord! Let it happen to me according to what you have just said.”

(What willingness of Mary to step into all that God had for her and, in turn, all that God had for the world.)

(Could it be that your assignment in Christ is not just for you but also for those around you, perhaps those you have never met, would never dare to meet?)

Opening text: Mary visits Elizabeth

Luke 1:34-45

Luke 1:34–45 NKJV

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Theme:

When Faith Touches Faith

Let us pray.

God-sized Ideas

God has a way of distinguishing Himself as God and God alone.

God has a way of stretching my faith and your faith.

The angel Gabriel shares with Mary that something miraculous will soon happen with her.

Before delivering this news, Gabriel speaks life into Mary, speaking directly to Mary’s need for acceptance, identify, security, purpose.

After delivering the big news, Gabriel, perhaps recognizing the detrimental nature of doubt and, preemptively cutting doubt off before it starts, shares with Mary some even bigger news of what God has already done.

Luke 1:36 NKJV

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

Now, a couple of things stand out to me about Gabriel’s message…his message to strengthens the validity of God’s big idea:

”Elizabeth your relative…”

Gabriel choose a person and story with whom Mary would be familiar, if not intimately familiar.

The familiarity would allow Mary to judge for herself the scenario Gabriel is to share.

”…has also conceived a son in her old age…”

Mary, you are not the only one God is blessing (Be careful/Be mindful when you believe you are the only one—it may not be true. God has the divine ability to bless you and bless me…and bless somebody else.)

“Elizabeth has conceived a son”. Well, who is Elizabeth and what would make her conceiving a son be remarkable news?

Elizabeth was old—past the normal years of child birth; it is unexpected that she would conceive a son at her advanced age.

More than her old age, Elizabeth was barren—so much so that she was “called barren”. (“In ancient Israel barrenness was seen as a cause for shame.”) It‘s true that sometimes in life there are things that are a part of us, or that happen with us, that make their way to defining us. Defining us so much so that our name becomes synonymous with the condition or experience. The association can be limiting, to say the least. Please know: God is not limited by what limits us.

In Elizabeth’s case (Luke 1:25 (NKJVSB)): the “opening of the womb” indicated God’s grace (see Gen. 21:6; 30:23; 1 Sam. 1; 2; Ps. 128:3) both to Elizabeth and to those who know her and know about her. (Luke 1:58 (NKJV): When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.)

”…and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.” In her pregnancy, Elizabeth is finishing her second trimester and entering her third and final trimester. Elizabeth is more than half way through her pregnancy. In the early stages of a pregnancy people may wonder whether a person truly is pregnant or whether the pregnancy may last. But as the months move forward it becomes more and more believable. Now in the sixth month of pregnancy, God has born Himself and His Word out to be true. The unlikely is happening and it is happening to someone with whom Mary is personally familiar.

Gabriel makes his point crystal clear to Mary:

Luke 1:37 NKJV

For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Mary’s response is that she believes God, through His messenger Gabriel. Also, Mary pays Elizabeth a visit.

Mary visits Elizabeth

When God speaks to you about your destiny and purpose don’t be afraid to move your feet. In fact, it is necessary that you do move. But be careful who you run to.

Luke 1:39–41 NKJV

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Briefly, for the few remaining minutes we share I want to speak with you about when faith touches faith.

Mary, moving with urgency and a sense of purpose/intent, hastens to see Elizabeth.

When God speaks with you about your destiny in Him—who you are and what He is going to do—there is nothing wrong with seeking out another person with similar faith.

Mary finds Elizabeth. Elizabeth, too, like Mary, has been chosen and is called to be a part of God’s larger picture. Mary finds another person who is locked on to God’s destiny for her.

When Mary finds Elizabeth, Elizabeth is 6 months pregnant—6 months ahead of Mary in walking out her promise in God.

When the two women get together, I like to say that their “faith touched”:

Luke 1:41 NKJV

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth’s husband Zacharias was told by angel Gabriel that their son John (Luke 1:15 (NKJV)): “He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.”

When Mary called out to Elizabeth scripture says that the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped and filled with the Holy Spirit.

There is something about the faith in you, connecting with the faith in you, that sparks a response in the Spirit.

The baby physically moving in Elizabeth’s pregnancy and was confirmation for Elizabeth that they baby is alive and doing well. When the people of God, who walk with God, get together, watch out for movement in your Spirit. Allow God to confirm for you His word.

Touched, Elizabeth spoke:

Luke 1:42–45 NKJV

Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

When Elizabeth spoke back to Mary, Elizabeth returned the favor, speaking to Mary the words Gabriel spoke, “Blessed are you among women…”

God has a way of utilizing the company of those walking in faith to affirm your purpose in Christ, to be your companion as you each walk in obedience, to confirm the voice of the Lord in your life.

When God gives you a word, and speaks to you about your destiny, it is easy for cynicism to creep in, for doubt to occupy your mind,

for you to focus on how difficult the task may be. But when your faith touches the faith of other believers walking in their destiny, your purpose is affirmed, your destiny is celebrated, and you are undergirded emotionally.

Do not neglect the gathering together of the saints.

Do not try to walk this walk of faith alone.

You might have a word of faith that I need, that confirms for me God’s hand upon my life.

I might be an encouragement for you. I am proof, that God can take your life and do something miraculous.

And what was Mary’s response?

Mary sang:

Luke 1:46–55 NKJV

And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Brothers, Sisters, write your song today. Begin now to pen the lyrics of all God shows you and your response.

Don’t wait for the end to see how things shake out. Write your story today in faith, according to all God has shown you.

And remember: something meaningful happens when faith touches faith.

Q:

Who do you need to see?

Who are in your community of people walking with Christ, who are leaning into their destiny?

Where are you wrestling with your faith and need help and affirmation?