The story of Elizabeth is found in Luke 1:5-25, 39-66.

Influential Women Of The Bible: Elizabeth

The story of Elizabeth is found in Luke 1:5-25, 39-66.

The scripture introduces us to Elizabeth as the wife of Zechariah. They both came from a long line of priests. The scripture says that they both were, “righteous before God, carefully walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). They had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they were now elderly. One day while Zechariah was serving in the Temple, an angel appeared to him. The angel told him not to be afraid and that the Lord heard his prayer. He further told him that his wife Elizabeth was going to bear him a son and his name was to be called John. After questioning the angel of how it could be possible for he and his wife to conceive, the angel explained who he was and how God himself sent him with the good news. Then the angel told him because of his unbelief, he wouldn’t be able to speak until the child was born.

A few months later, Elizabeth became pregnant. In the sixth month of her pregnancy, Elizabeth’s young cousin Mary, who just became pregnant herself by the Holy Ghost with Jesus, came for a visit. When the two met, Elizabeth's unborn baby suddenly “leaped in her womb; and she (Elizabeth) was filled with the Holy Ghost” (Luke 1:40). Elizabeth took this as a sign and pronounced a blessing upon Mary. Mary responded with the words of the song called the “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55).

When the baby was eight days old, relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They decided his name should be called Zechariah after his father but Elizabeth said his name was to be called John. After failing to persuade Elizabeth, they went to Zechariah. Zechariah wrote on a tablet, “His name is John” and immediately was able to speak again and began to praise God. Everyone was amazed at what happened and knew that the hand of God was on Elizabeth’s baby. Zechariah prophesied to his little son that he would one day be a prophet of the Most High, preparing the way of the Lord.

The account of Elizabeth's life is a good example of a woman of faith and patience. The Bible says that she lived blameless and was righteous before God. She asked for a son to carry on the family name and priesthood and God gave her the forerunner of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. The name John means “The Lord is gracious.”

Maybe years have passed in your life and it seems as though you haven’t yet received what you desired. Like Elizabeth, stay faithful to God. Continue to live blameless and keep the commandments of God. God doesn’t always give to us according to our asking or deserving. He gives to us according to the riches of his grace. God is gracious! He wants to do “exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20). He loves to do the impossible for people who trust and obey Him.
(From series, “Influential Women of the Bible” by Pastor Steven R. Williams, Sr.)