December 4, 2021
Scripture: Luke 1:5-66
We know John was eccentric in his food and clothing choices. He would spend long periods in solitude to pray. He moved around a lot. People sought him out. His coming was solely to pave the way and point people to Jesus (Isaiah 40:3), but we never read of him spending time at the temple. Was he even welcome there? Gradually over time, Jesus wasn't welcome near the temple either. Perhaps John and Jesus needed each other through their youth to prepare for ministry and adult life to spur one another on. A less obvious reason John's birth was so necessary can be found in Luke 1:39-45, the meeting of Mary and her relative, Elizabeth. John leaped in Elizabeth's womb and the sound of Mary's voice. Maybe God provided this for Mary and Elizabeth because they needed community and fellowship. Mary could have been feeling pretty lonely, scared, and even doubtful about how the future would play out for her. At this point, Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Mary was a virgin and was told by God to remain so until after Jesus' birth. It did Mary a world of good to be with Elizabeth for the camaraderie. For one, she was also experiencing a miracle and the two women probably talked at long length about how amazing/unbelievable these gifts were.
Secondly, and more importantly, Elizabeth's reaction confirmed what the angel had told Mary. Even before Mary mentioned anything, Elizabeth knew the son of God was forming in her womb, and so did the baby John growing in Elizabeth's womb!
Mary assisted Elizabeth through late pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This must have helped Mary prepare mentally for what she would soon experience. When Mary returned home from her visit with Elizabeth, she was approximately three months pregnant. She would be showing soon. How crucial those encouraging moments with Elizabeth must have been! We don't know if Mary's parents shamed her or if they believed the angel Gabriel had visited her--the Bible does not say. We know Joseph doubted at first. Having time with Elizabeth prepared Mary for the pressures she was about to face. God does that for his people. He prepares a way. Truly, The Way Maker.
We were all created for fellowship and community. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:4-5) Not just the kind that keeps you alone in your house watching church online and video chatting with friends and family. A pet can not provide the fellowship you were created for either. You were created to be among people--atheist or follower of Christ. But, if the Holy Spirit resides within you, you were created to worship The Living God with The Body of Christ. We were made to talk with others, pray with others, serve with others, exchange hugs, and receive as well as give smiles. Please read Proverbs 27:17 and 1 Corinthians 12:25-27
Are you connecting with others regularly for the purpose of fellowship?
Can God use you to connect with others who need to know they are not alone? Has a neighbor recently moved in? Has a friend recently moved away? It will mean the world to them if you remain connected. Offer to pray with them, and ask how they are doing in their hunt for fellowship. Certainly pray for them!
Ponder how you can intentionally join others in fellowship to point them to Jesus.
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