Did you ever wonder what transpired during Mary’s 3-month visit with her cousin, Elizabeth? After receiving news from God that she was to be the mother of the Messiah, she needed someone she could confide in and rejoice with. She must have had a close relationship or at least a deep respect and admiration for this older godly woman, and sought her counsel.
I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to hear their conversations. Here’s how I imagine what one of those mentoring discussions might have been like.
~~~~~
On the morning after Mary arrived, as they were sipping their tea, Mary said, “I’m so glad I have you to talk to! You understand. When the angel told me that you were also miraculously pregnant, I just had to see you. Now we can celebrate together!”
Elizabeth wholeheartedly responded, “Yes, our God can certainly do the impossible! I still can’t believe it—amazed that He would give me a son after all these years! King David was right. If we are committed to God and delight in Him, He would give us the desires of our heart.*
I had tried to lay my longings for a child aside, but I think God is the One who kept placing that ache in my heart. So I just kept praying!”
“God is good!” exclaimed Mary. Silence followed as she pondered all the wondrous things her Lord was doing. Then suddenly a very dismayed look came over her face.
“What is it, Mary?” asked her observant cousin.
“Well…to be honest, I’m a bit frightened; actually, a lot frightened!”
“Of course you are! I’m scared as well about being a mother at my age. But I suspect that taking care of a baby is not what you’re thinking about now.”
“You’re right. What will people think? They will never believe me! My reputation will be ruined,” she groaned, horrified at the thought of being shunned and possibly stoned.
“Have you told anyone yet—your parents, Joseph?” asked the sympathizing cousin.
“No, not yet. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to tell them—not to mention mustering up the courage to do so. Poor Joseph! It’ll break his heart to think I’ve been unfaithful! I love him so. I’ve been praying constantly—ever since the angel appeared to me.”
“I am certain the Lord will give you the right words at the right time—as well as the courage,” reassured Elizabeth. She paused then continued, “And you know, Mary, that although most people won’t believe that you are still pure, you can trust that God will not let you raise the Messiah of the world alone! Tell me more about this Joseph.”
“Oh, he is so wonderful and kind! He loves the LORD with all his heart. He’s also in the line of David. He would have made a wonderful husband, but I doubt he will take me as his bride now,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Elizabeth wisely responded, “The line of David? Well then, surely God will work in his heart to accept the truth and together you will raise this precious Son.”
Still a little doubtful, Mary said “But what if they try to stone me?”
Her cousin dogmatically declared, “If God can miraculously conceive a baby in a virgin, then surely He can and will protect you both! He is going to be The Savior of the world! God’s plans cannot be thwarted!
“Oh, thank you!” said the consoled Mary. “I needed to hear that. You are truly a messenger from God—just like your son will be.
“Isn’t it astonishing that Yahweh, the Creator, would choose us! Who are we to be given such a privilege to be used for His glory in this way?!”
~~~~~
Well my friends, I hope you enjoyed my fictional conversation. Whenever you read the Bible try to picture yourself there—it’ll make the Bible come alive! Let the Holy Spirit direct your imagination. And don’t neglect to seek out a godly woman for counsel!
*Ps 37:4-5
Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.