Luke 1:39-45 narrates the account of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. We witness the miraculous and sovereign work of God in the lives of Elizabeth and Mary—one barren and the other a virgin, yet both pregnant. This news is so significant and overwhelming to Mary that she “went in a hurry” (vs. 39) to visit Elizabeth. Mary appears unaware of the events that have transpired in Elizabeth’s life, but it is evident that when God intervenes in our lives, there is a profound sense to proclaim it.
Upon entering Elizabeth’s house, Mary greeted her, and when she heard Mary’s voice, the baby leaped in her womb (vs. 41). While it is true that babies “kick” and move, the Scripture is specific in this detail, stating that John leaped in her womb. God is the author of life, not only in the details of life and its formation, but even before the foundation of the world.
Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit (vs. 41), which signifies the fulfillment of God’s will in her life. This is affirmed by Elizabeth’s words in verses 42-43: “And she cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?’”
Elizabeth expresses the work of God in her life, witnessing the birth of the Son of God. She never elevated her status to anything exalting. Instead, she was a chosen vessel of God to accomplish His plan of redemption. Without any other means, it was the Holy Spirit that revealed this to her. Elizabeth exclaims, “Blessed are you, for the Lord is coming!”
She wonders how this happened to her, expressing the amazement of God’s kindness and how He uses us to fulfill His will and accomplish His design, even us. She further describes the baby in her womb leaping with joy. A key verse in verse 45 is “blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” Consider this: we are blessed to believe the word of God. What blessings there are in our lives when we believe the truth of Scripture.
You may not fully comprehend certain passages, but be blessed when you accept the word of the Lord. God has communicated with us through His word, revealing the truth, and those who believe it are blessed. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and you will be blessed to know redemption.