***** (continued)
(1) Elizabeth suffered the disgrace of infertility
Infertility is not a punishment for unfaithfulness nor is fertility a reward for godly behavior. However, especially in Elizabeth’s day, children were considered a blessing from God, which makes infertility even harder to bear. Neighbors probably gossiped and wondered what secret sin Zachariah and Elizabeth were hiding. God’s opinion was different. This passage clearly states “Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.” Elizabeth clearly suffered because in verse 25 she said “How kind the Lord is!” “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” There is no explanation for their infertility until the angel announces John’s birth.

(2) Elizabeth enjoyed the blessing of a special miracle, a touch from God
Every baby is a wonderful miracle, but her “unable to conceive” and old age condition, made this birth humanly impossible. However, this miracle may offer a clue to their long period of infertility. God was orchestrating the miracle birth of a his chosen man, John the Baptist. It was almost like God was saying “Now that I have your attention, Elizabeth, here is my eternal plan. Not only are you going to have a baby, but he will be a prophet to prepare the way for the long awaited Messiah!”’ Elizabeth’s infertility and the birth of John were all part of God’s amazing plan.

(3) Elizabeth became the mentor and comfort for Mary, just when she needed an ally.
The angel Gabriel included in his message to Mary “What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary packed up and hurried off to see Elizabeth. Can you imagine the joyful conversations that happened between these two blessed women! Not only was Elizabeth blessed with a son, but the long awaited promised Messiah was on the way, and it was a lovely secret revealed to and shared by two women!!

And the gossip in the neighborhood changed to wonder: Luke 1:65 “Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.” And the hand of the Lord was on Elizabeth enabling her to trust God when life did not make sense.