Femme Friday Elizabeth

     Right at the very beginning of Luke, in the New Testament, we find a story of woman named Elizabeth. Elizabeth is only mentioned in this section. She is said to be old, without child and a very pious woman. She and her husband, Zacharias, were both descendants of Aaron, the first priest of Israel. Elizabeth was known for participating in the duties associated with the temple.  Elizabeth's name means God is my oath or promise. This meaning is lived out as Elizabeth lived a life dedicated to God and His commandments. 

Can you imagine? Being described as old, but also finding out you are pregnant? Elizabeth had not been told, like Sarah, that she would one day give birth to the future peoples of a nation. She did not receive a prophecy and have to wait years for its fulfillment. Elizabeth was told she would become pregnant with a son and then did so. Elizabeth shows us that sometimes God doesn't wait a long time to fulfill His promises. 

Elizabeth was told by an angel that she would become pregnant. In fact, a lot of what happened to Elizabeth runs parallel to how the story of Jesus's birth plays out. About five months before Jesus was born to Elizabeth's cousin, Mary, Elizabeth finds herself pregnant. First Elizabeth and then her husband, Zachariahs, was told about the coming son. Just as Mary was told first she would bear the Son of God and then Joseph. Secondly, Elizabeth believed, Zacharias doubted. Zacharias was then unable to speak for the next eight months. But Zacharias could still hear. Third, Elizabeth was told what to name her son by the angel, just as Mary was. Elizabeth was to call her son John. When their baby was finally born, Elizabeth told the family to name him John. This was not the custom of the day, normally a child was named after a family member. But Zacharias confirmed what the angel had told them, his son was to be called John. Which means graced by God. 

Not much is known about Elizabeth or Zacharias after John is born. It is speculated that they probably died shortly after John was old enough to begin his life in the desert. As with a lot of parents, Elizabeth was best known as the mother of someone infamous. May we each take the example Elizabeth showed us of dedication, obedience, and commitment. So that when we come to the end of our lives we may also be called blessed among women.