Elizabeth is a popular household name in many homes. Different variants of the name are used by both Christian and non-Christians. The late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom bore this Biblical name and through her, the name became a household name across the British colonies and territories. Many Christians can associate with the name Elizabeth on a personal level. She was no Queen in the Bible. She wasn't a beauty pageant contestant like Queen Esther. She was a woman who had a big challenge. The challenge stayed with her for a very long time until her miracle arrived when she least expected it.
This is how the book of Luke presents Elizabeth and her husband: "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. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly." (Luke 1:5-6). It is important to know the date of this story, the occupation of the Zachariah and their family line. Both Zachariah and Elizabeth were considered as righteous in the sight of God. They observed all the commands and decrees of God. They were blameless in keeping up with the commands and decrees. However, they had a challenge: "But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old." (Luke 1:7).
But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. (Luke 1:7)
Childlessness is an agelong challenge. Since the very early years of the world, couples have had to battle with this challenge for a long time. Elizabeth and the husband worshipped God faithfully but they were childless. One day, Zachariah had an encounter angel Gabriel while fulfilling his duties as a priest:
"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:11, 13-17)
Zachariah's doubtfulness of the words of the angel caused the angel to make him mute until the appointed time. In the meanwhile, after this angelic encounter, Zachariah's wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:24-25). Indeed, God came through for Elizabethat the time she least expected: Zachariah was an old man and Elizabeth was well along in years (Luke 1:18). The one declared barren became pregnant. Elizabeth's shame and reproach was taken away. She received favour from God. All who heard about her miracle baby glorified God.
Elizabeth knew that her baby was no ordinary baby. He was on assignment to fulfill God's purpose. How God chose the least expected woman to become an agent for His purpose is still a miracle. However, we know that Elizabeth and Zachariah positioned themselves at a vantage place. Their righteousness and obedience to the Lord was visible to all.
When we are at the lowest point of our lives, we shouldn't compromise on our righteousness and obedience to God. The story of Elizabeth teaches us patience in waiting. It teaches us the value of righteousness and the fact that God is always seeking for someone to fulfill His purpose. We cannot compromise on our Godliness because of our situation in life. Zachariah received his prophecy in the house of God. Be intentional not to abandon church and the meeting of the brethren because you are hurting. God still does miracles in the house of God. Tomorrow could be your turn to encounter the angel that has been commissioned to meet your needs.
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