Scripture: “And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.” – Luke 1:56
Observation: Chapter 1 of Luke is rich with amazing experiences. In the verses just prior to today’s verse, the song of Mary is recorded. She is rejoicing in all that God is and praises Him gloriously while she is visiting her cousin. Three months later, her visit with Elisabeth terminates with the birth of John.
Application: During biblical times, there were professional midwives and family members who attended the births of babies. While the Bible doesn’t specifically state that Mary was present at the birth of John the Baptist, it seems quite plausible that she was there providing support for her elderly cousin, Elisabeth. In verse 36, the angel Gabriel told Mary that Elisabeth was ending her second trimester, and in verse 56, we are told that Mary’s visit lasted an additional 3 months. This would place Elisabeth at the end of her pregnancy. Therefore, it is highly possible that Mary attended the birth of John the Baptist.
It would be during this time that God was preparing Mary for the birth of her own baby. He knew that Mary and Joseph would be alone, and for Mary to be present at the birth of John, she would gain a great deal of knowledge in birthing a child, not fully realizing how reliant she would be on that experience when it would be her time to deliver.
When it came Mary’s time to deliver her own child, she only had her beloved husband at her side. No doubt, this was his first birthing experience, and while both he and Mary knew God was with them, they must have had some apprehension about what was about to happen. Their faith in the Lord enabled them to put aside their fears and trust God for the outcome that He had promised.
When situations in life seem overwhelming, and we start to fear, we must remember that our heavenly Father has promised to take care of us always. Whatever comes our way, God will enable us to get through it. He is our Protector, our refuge, our Saviour. Psalm 28:7 states, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Let us be like Elisabeth and Mary, fully trusting in God to prepare us and see us through any challenge we face.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, how wonderful to know that nothing happens in my life that You are not fully aware of. Nothing catches You by surprise! You have promised to help me to face any situation, and You will always be with me. You have also promised to fight the battles that I cannot do on my own, and empower me to fight those that I can. You have promised to give me wisdom to make decisions and take actions that align with Your will and bring You honor and glory. Thank You that I am always in Your care. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
(from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm)
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“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10