"Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. 'How kind the Lord is!' she exclaimed. 'He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.'" -- Luke 1:24-25
IF YOUR name is Elizabeth kindly ask your parents why you're named Elizabeth. I think your inquiry might just lead you to a woman recorded in Luke 1:24-25.
Being barren is a cultural taboo in their time. Being barren as wife of a priest is double curse. Being barren and being of age, is tantamount to saying hope died! I am beginning to realize that hope is contagious like Covid. When hope is sparked in one's heart it is passed on to another. The way hope is delivered is really unique, but the pattern of these thrills of hope always ends with deep worship of God! When God silenced Zechariah, his subtraction of busyness became moments of intimacy with Elizabeth where she miraculously conceived!
If hope introduced himself to Zechariah in silence. Elizabeth took a close long look at hope in seclusion. A unique way of being silent, a holy solitude to savor the favor that came from God. A time to let the emotion cool down and let spiritual depth commence. Five months of seclusion to let the powerful voices of the crowd and the powerful noise of the heart die down so that God's voice will be heard.
Finally, after five months Elizabeth really meant it, tasted it and was transformed by it when she said "How kind the Lord is!" she exclaimed. "He has taken away my disgrace of having no children."
Hope found his way in those "quarantine" months where words said are not just words but genuine words of worship to the God who bought hope. Maybe God favored you this day of Covid captivity, before you miss the whole point of God's favor meet up with this thrill of hope in a special time of seclusion and come out a worshiper of God.
What is worse more than the pandemic is to let it end without learning a lesson about who God is! Before we close 2020 today and begin 2021 tomorrow. Take at least 5, for Elizabeth 5 months, maybe for you and me at least 5 minutes of seclusion and savor the favor of hope from God. Happy hope-filled New Year to all!