Bible Study...

From Luke chapter one, the story of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Her name comes from the Hebrew, Eli shebe which means "God is my oath." She is a very interesting Bible character to study. The only time she is mentioned is in Luke 1, and there is a wealth of information to be found by studying her life. This is a brief synopsis of her story. This was a lady who came from a prestigious background. She was a descendent of Aaron, the high priest. (Luke 1:5) She was also the wife of Zacharias, the priest. (Luke 1:5) Even though she shared a high place in society, she was also barren, the biggest shame a Jewish wife could suffer. (Luke 1:7) How she reacted to this is amazing. Remember, she is very old (Luke 1:7) and her life for the most part, is over. What would have made most people angry, the Bible says in Luke 1:6 that she and Zacharias was righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordiances of the Lord blameless. This story is another good example of God's "suddenlies" in life. Zacharias, the priest was going about his normal routine (Luke 1:8) when suddenly an angel shows up to give him a message that would change his life, and Elizabeths forever. (Luke 1:11-13) For Elizabeth, her life suddenly changed. Formerly barren and looked down on, she was now going to have a baby, and not just any baby. Her baby would grow to be the man who would "go before the face of the Lord to prepare His way." (Luke 1:76) One thing we see in this story of this little old lady who thought life had passed her by, she still lived blameless before the Lord, and God rewarded her faithfulness. He performed a miracle on her behalf and opened her barren womb, taking away her shame. (Luke 1:25) And through that miracle, Elizabeth played a vital role in the coming of God's kingdom by giving birth to John the Baptist. This story is proof that it is never too late to fulfill your destiny in God. No matter how "barren" your life may seem, or how shameful it has been, God can always turn things around and do something glorious with what is left of your life. That is the way the Lord works, when you think life is over, He will perform a miracle in your life and use the last thing you would expect Him to use to do great things for Him. With Elizabeth I'm sure the last thing she expected God to use her for was the birth of one of the greatest men that ever lived. What is the last thing you would expect God to use in your life? That just may be where your miracle, your God given destiny is hiding! "For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37)