Scripture to Read: Luke 1:24–25
God allowed Zacharias to return home, but he went back unable to speak. God does not give us insight as to Elizabeth’s reaction to Zacharias’ muteness, God only tells us in Luke 1:24–25, “After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 ‘This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.’” So, Zacharias returned home and Elizabeth became pregnant, just as the angel Gabriel had said. We see that Elizabeth kept herself in seclusion for the first five months of her pregnancy. God’s Word does not tell us why, but many think that Elizabeth did not go away to hide her pregnancy. Instead, Elizabeth hid herself for the first five months to spend intimate time with the Lord and to seek His wisdom and understanding on what He had planned for the child within her. Elizabeth had also prayed for many years for the opportunity to have a child and God had answered her prayer in a miraculous way. Most assuredly, she wanted to know all she could about God’s plan for her as a mother and how she could fulfill it as she helped raise her son. God has a plan for each of His children, and the only way to discover that plan is to walk in deep intimacy with our Lord and His Word daily. Time alone with Him each day, praying, reading, and studying His Word, will ensure that we know His will.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you about spending intimate time with Him each day?
How are you growing in your intimacy with the Lord and His Word, and where do you need to improve?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!