December 18, 2022

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. Luke 1:39-41

The special visit between Mary and Elizabeth must have been filled to the brim with treasured conversations about the workings of God! Verse 36 tells us that Mary and Elizabeth are related (cousins), which also makes John the Baptist and Jesus cousins. Modern research confirms that babies in utero can hear. At around 4 ½ months of development, a baby can hear his/her mother’s heartbeat. By six months, the baby begins hearing sounds from outside. Elizabeth was at this stage of pregnancy when Mary arrived to visit. Baby John heard Mary’s greeting, and his leaping in Elizabeth’s womb attests to the miraculous nature of both of these pregnancies! It is fascinating that Elizabeth became filled with the Holy Spirit at that special moment in time. It is a moment to remember and ponder… Her receptive heart is an example for us.

Understanding the nearness of our God to us at all times, especially in trying times, is essential for our mental and spiritual health as well as continual growth. Receptive hearts are divinely enabled to respond to His nearness. In our fallen world and its negative influences, I must daily ask for a tender, honest heart to receive what He wants to teach me.

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth. Psalm 119:151

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 145:18

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2