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Visitation of Virgin Mary to Elizabeth: Divine
Fellowship
Luke 1:57-66
Vs.64: “Immediately his mouth was opened and his
tongue was loosed , and he began to speak, praising God”.
Today’s passage describes the birth, circumcision, and
naming of the great prophet and forerunner of Messiah, John the
Baptist. Just like all other annunciations, Luke’s narration includes
words of the angel, prediction about the birth of a male child, his
name & mission. Today’s text, circumcision and naming ceremony
highlights -
1. The extension of a great joy: The angel of the Lord tells Zechariah that his son will be
a joy and a delight to both him and many others (Luke.1:14). Luke’s
narration confirms the fulfilment of annunciation. When John is born,
Elizabeth’s relatives and neighbours share her joy. What neighbours
heard, however as a theological interpretation of the birth “that the
Lord had shown His great mercy to her. The cause for rejoicing
therefore shifted from the birth to the demonstration of God’s glory
(NIB) .There is an element of joy and hope in every human being’s
birth. This is not limited to his or her parents. A new baby is
celebrated by the extended family, the church and the community. As the
baby grows, he or she will be a joy to friends, neighbours and other
fellow beings. The extension of joy is limitless.
2. The exposition of an inspiring word: During those days, according to their tradition, the
naming of the child was part of the circumcision ceremony and the name
of the child is very significant. Normally the child’s father would
preside over the ceremony. Because Zechariah was dumb, he seems to have
been less involved in the ceremony. Here Elizabeth interrupted
insisting that the child’s name was John which means “God is gracious
to us”. Since this was not the name of the child’s father or any
relative, strong rejection came from the people who had gathered there
to attend the ceremony. As per her vision, Elizabeth stood her ground
against the majority. Zechariah was made aware of the problem and given
the opportunity to decide upon the issue. When he wrote the words, “His
name was John” on the tablet, he once again was given the power of
speech. The first thing he does is praise God . As parents, Zechariah
and Elizabeth, went through a crisis, a parental crisis, but they found
its solution in relation to their vision and guidance from God.
3. The experience of Glorious Majesty: The naming of John and Zechariah’s recovery brought fear
and amazement both to the neighbors and throughout the hill country of
Judea (v.65). Fear is a typical response in Luke’s gospel to a disclosure
of God’s power. This is a reverence of the divine majesty. As a godly
couple, the witnessing life of Zachariah and Elizabeth
inspired others to experience the joy of Divine grace and
the majesty of Divine intervention. From the life, vision and experience
of this dedicated couple we can learn that God’s blessings always
demand our creative responses and decisions particularly in the midst
of challenges. May God help us to become an inspiration for others to
know God, to discern His word and to experience His glorious
majesty.
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to understand Your inspiring word and
strengthen us to be an inspiration for others…….Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Be thankful to God for His abundant
blessings and be conscious about our response towards His generosity.
Rev. Shibu Mathew,
Bishop's Secretary, Adoor
Christian Education Forum,
Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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