I, Elizabeth.

In our English-language services yesterday, Pastor Sam continued the series on "Human Stories In The Divine Drama". This week, we will reflect on Elizabeth.

It's amazing how we can read the same scripture passage for years, or even decades, but God in His greatness can open our minds to new insights. One of the blessings we experienced during yesterday's sermons was that God, through our pastor, shed new light on Elizabeth's story (found in the first chapter of Luke).

Elizabeth was unemployed, but qualified. Elizabeth was a bonafide member of the priesthood: not because she was married to Zechariah, but because she herself was a descendant of Aaron. Although her culture did not permit women to serve in the temple, Elizabeth nonetheless carried in her genes the legacy necessary for being a temple priest.

Elizabeth was ridiculed, but righteous. Rather than becoming bitter about the stigma of barrenness, she chose the way of righteousness. Being public figures exposed Elizabeth and her husband to colleagues and congregants who viewed their childlessness as a curse. However, they did not go into hiding. They continued living in the presence of their community, expressing the grace of God to the people.

Elizabeth was clueless, but prophetic. Mary had not spoken to Elizabeth. But at hearing Mary's voice, Elizabeth was moved by the Holy Spirit and began to speak prophetically concerning Mary's status as Theotokos (the woman who would bear God incarnate). Elizabeth even gave a word of knowledge concerning the condition of Mary's heart: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45)

What an encouragement for those of us who live by, and walk in, the Spirit of God (see Galatians 5). Our detractors say that, across the board, we are not working: our hands do not work because we are jobless; our hormones do not work, and we are childless; our head does not work, so we are not privy to the thoughts and acts that occur away from our physical presence. But the Holy Spirit speaks to those who humbly submit to Him. His voice drowns out the jeers and jokes of our detractors. At the right time, His word of truth will pour out of us to encourage, save, and deliver all who seek to draw near to Him.

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer. (Rev. George Croly, 1854)