Luke 1:39-45
A short time later Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her.
The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth. Then in a loud voice she said to Mary:
God has blessed you more than any other woman! He has also blessed the child you will have. Why should the mother of my Lord come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, my baby became happy and moved within me. The Lord has blessed you because you believed that he will keep his promise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know where he got it, but when someone is leaving – our home or some gathering we are attending - Timothy has developed a habit of saying, “Goodbye! Thanks for coming! Have a great day!” At the very least, he makes the person who is leaving feel special – and possibly a little blessed!
The scriptures tell us that Mary hurried to Judea to visit Elizabeth and revel in the news that both women had received. I have to think that Mary’s parents may have sent her to Judea, to reduce talk in the village - and buy a little time to figure out how to deal with the unexpected dilemma of her unwed pregnancy. And isn’t this what we often do when God sends us in a direction that is not what we expected…or when we feel Him calling us to do something we really don’t want to do or think others might criticize? Sometimes it seems easier to run and hide from God than to say, “Thanks for coming!”
This is another reason I love these verses and the faith and courage of these two women – one old and wise…the other young and naïve. Both accepted – and embraced – this news from the angels. They took on the challenge that these pregnancies would surely bring - and recognized God’s blessing in them. Essentially, they said to God…”Thanks for coming!”
So often, God shows up in our lives, and rather than thank Him for coming, either we run and hide…or we question His authenticity. Was that really God? Is this truly a blessing from Him…or is the “other shoe” about to drop? Is this too good to be true? Are there hidden motives and agendas? We ask God to work in our lives…and when He does, we are often dubious or apprehensive! Sometimes, all we really need to do is say, “God, if this is really Your doing…show me. I’m here…I’m listening…and I’m ready to follow Your lead. Oh, and ‘Thanks for coming!’” It’s that simple – and that complicated – all at once!
The next time you feel God’s presence, what will you do? Will you run and hide…or will you embrace Him and follow His lead? Are you truly glad that God appears in your life? Are you ready to say, “Thanks for coming!”…and accept the His blessings and any challenges and assignments He presents? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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