Sunday, 12 March 2017

Elizabeth. Luke 1:5-25 Part 1/4






Luke 1:5-25

Elizabeth: The woman of great faith and wisdom.

My dissertation topic was a missional piece that looked specifically at two testimonies from women from the book of Luke.  The woman with the issue of blood and the story of the women who first witnessed Jesus’ resurrection. I was deeply changed, challenged and inspired by the things that were revealed to me whilst drawing out these women’s stories! Since writing my dissertation I have been longing to uncover more of those female stories we read about in Luke. So, today for my first blog; I have chosen to share about Elizabeth.
In this post I will be drawing out particular themes that reveal more to us about what kind of woman Elizabeth was and how her story can tell us more about the character of God. What can her story teach us today?
We don’t know much about Elizabeth really. She doesn’t feature a great deal in the nativity story but the part she does play is powerful and we can learn a great deal from this matriarch.

Her Spirituality

Elizabeth demonstrates an inspiring image of unwavering faith and God uses that faith in a couple of ways.

1. Imagery

   Tannehill (2011, p74) suggests that Elizabeth’s age and her new fertility symbolises the new hope for Israel, an old nation. This image of an older woman becoming pregnant is a depiction of new life: Similarly, Christ coming to an old unsaved nation. Israel had been waiting and waiting for their messiah, and soon there was to be one. Elizabeth had waited and waited for a child and soon she was to have one! John was also used to prepare people for Jesus' arrival. You could even say that John’s ministry symbolises the pregnant state of Israel. There was a new covenant on the horizon. John was chosen to prepare the people for the BIRTH of a new covenant.
    
     I love the intricacy of this double sided image. Elizabeth’s pregnancy: An image of hope and new life for the world. John’s ministry: Preparing people for Christ!


     Elizabeth's conception would have also been a magnificent witness to those within her community. She was used by God as an image of his faithfulness within her present community whilst also carrying a child that would prepare the wider community for the saviour of the world! #mind.blown

2. God's Will

Within a first century context children were considered a blessing from God and infertility a curse as a result of sinfulness.Yet, despite their lack of sin Zechariah and Elizabeth had suffered with all of the consequences of infertility. For example, others would have assumed that they were being judged by God due to sin in their lives.


However, they remain faithful to God. When Elizabeth becomes pregnant she knows this is God’s will for her! This is such a strong theological statement and one that is truly inspiring. Deffinbaugh (2014, p62) goes on to say that with this statement she is defying all of the ridicule and judgements of the societal expectations that she would have faced for years. Elizabeth does not connect the two; barrenness with sin. She knew that God was not punishing her with barrenness. I love this. That despite external sources telling her to believe a certain 'truth' she chooses to listen only to God and his promises for her life. She knew in her heart she was right with God! The way that Elizabeth reacts to this highlights a shift towards a new theology. A grace-based theology rather than one that was about sin and suffering V’s righteousness and blessing. Elizabeth was demonstrating a faith based relationship!

3. Supernatural

       How did Elizabeth know that it would be Mary who would bear the messiah? Elizabeth was more than a messenger, she knew Jesus would be born of a virgin. Whether this was divine inspiration or a firm grasp on the scriptures Elizabeth knows this. There is this strong but beautiful image of Elizabeth’s faith and reliance on God. Although she was no priest or was not involved in ‘public’ ministry like her husband she has a very ‘real’ and intimate relationship with God (Deffinbaugh, 2014, p82). This is an illustration of the topsy turvy kingdom of God! Societal expectations, patriarchy or religious rituals are turned on their head. The weakest people are used to challenge the strong. It so profound! I love how God works!


     When I was young I had a blurred image of Elizabeth. I didn't know much about her unlike Mary but since exploring more about her I had grown to love the character I read about. She has such a passionate faith. She is kind of a hidden character yet she has such authority and spiritual maturity. She is also courageous in the way she steps out- knowing firmly that Mary is pregnant too and with the son of God! It is humbling to think of the faith these women had. One carried a great man one who would prepare the way and the other carried God inside of them yet they remained HUMBLE! That is awesomely moving.

    4.  Childlike

Some have suggested that Luke portrays a more positive and powerful image of Elizabeth’s faith over her husband’s. Her deep yet childlike faith is used in direct correlation or contrast to Zechariah’s lack of faith and disbelief.
Bailey (2008, p195) explains that within Luke’s gospel there are 27 cases of ‘Pairing’ men and women. This characteristic of Luke’s gospel clearly shows that his choices are inspired by God. A reflection of God’s heart! The two sided stories he has documented benefit women and men equally. It also proves that men and women both play equally important parts in God’s missional story. It is incredible to see the roles God has given women and how they are restored and redeemed to an equal place! More often than not, he uses women to demonstrate great faith or courage; as found here with Elizabeth.


I love the illustration of Elizabeth beside her husband. Her faith is used as an example and putting that into its context that would have been mightily powerful in that time. A woman speaking when her husband could not. I think there are beautiful themes of marriage woven into the text. The depiction of equality and the strength and dependability of marriage and on one another.
I find it inspirational that Elizabeth’s faith is carried into the life of her child. Morris says, “John is the only said person in the new testament to be filled with the spirit from his mother’s womb! God chose and equipped him from the very beginning.” (1988, p 76). That image is powerful!

Conclusion


So, this is the end of part 1 of 4 the next part is going to look at Elizabeth’s Encouragement.
I hope you have been inspired just a little by the things that were revealed to me whilst reading about her Elizabeth. I find it fascinating drawing out their worlds and perhaps trying to see things more from their point of view. I know that is a challenge to us all, but it is essential if we are to ever truly understand their testimonies and learn from them. Thank you ever so for reading!
Below are the books I mentioned! Just in case you want to read more!
Bailey, K.E. (2008) Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. London: SPCK.
Morris, L. (1988) Luke: An Introduction and Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Tannehill, R. C. (2011) Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Luke. Abingdon Press

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