Doubly Called
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect... Likewise, teach the older women...to teach what is good."
(Titus 2:2a, 3)
As a young wife with a house and big yard, a child in school and a new baby, I was constantly missing appointments and commitments. One day, God prompted a dear older friend to send me a wall calendar - an organizational miracle!
Elizabeth could have focused all her energies on her long-awaited, first and only child, John. When Mary, Jesus' mother, arrived amazed and dazed - and unannounced - Elizabeth could have dismissed her visit as inconvenient. Instead, Elizabeth welcomed Mary and celebrated God's plan with her. As an older, righteous woman, she encouraged Mary and likely shared practical knowledge about birth and babies. The months of physical and spiritual mentoring were just what Mary needed before going home to face a difficult future.
God still intercedes in our lives using believers who, from their experiences, prepare us for the road ahead. Jesus promised He would not leave us orphaned (John 14:18). Sometimes His Spirit parents us directly, but often He sends His wisdom through a faithful mentor.
INSIGHT
"A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight."
(Anonymous)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Job 9-10
Psalm 47
Luke 10
Luke 1:5-7
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.
Luke 1:23-27
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Luke 1:38-45
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
GOD MY PEACE
with Ann Spangler
Peace is something our hearts long for, but rarely find. God knows this and he tells us that he can satisfy the longing of our hearts. Do you know the name of God that means "God of Peace"?
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