Elizabeth's Confession

Luke 1:39-45

So much excitement here! Mary had just been visited by the angel Gabriel and told of the Son she would soon deliver. Then Mary hurries to visit her relative, Elizabeth (also with child), to tell her the news! Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth shouts a Holy Spirit-inspired blessing, and Elizabeth's baby leaps in her womb! For context, Mary, an unwed mother, and Elizabeth, barren until now, would have been societal outcasts in that time and culture. Consequently, what happens next is even more significant. Elizabeth asks, "Why am I so favored to be visited by the mother of my Lord?"

In most cases, when anyone asks, "Why, me? What have I done to deserve this?” it's because something has gone terribly wrong in their life. Elizabeth recognizes that she, like all of us, is undeserving of even the simplest blessings that she receives and often takes for granted. With a grateful heart, Elizabeth asks, “Why me?” There’s an important lesson here. If we stop to ask God throughout the day, “Why me?” every time we receive a blessing, no matter how big or small, our entire day would be filled with praise and thanksgiving. And that just may be the point!

QUESTIONS:

1. How often do you ask, "Why me?" when you've received a blessing or something good happens?

2. How can we nurture our attitude of gratitude during this Christmas season?

PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, blessed are we who believe that what You have promised us will be fulfilled. Thank You, Jesus!

Phil Heveron