HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH: HOPE THAT INSURES FRUITFULNESS

But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:43-45)

An old barren woman and a young virgin girl will be fruitful.  God is glorified in our fruitfulness.

That fruitfulness is rooted in A SERVANT’S CONDESCENSION (v.43-44)  Elizabeth speaks of “my Lord.”  She condescends to take the role of a servant.  Jesus would teach that this is the pathway to greatness—stooping to serve!  He would set the example with the basin and towel.  What we want to hear after crossing the finish line is, “Well done good and faithful servant!”  That is the hope of being crowned hereafter that inspires us to condescend here.

Fruitfulness is also rooted in A SCRIPTURAL CONVICTION (v.45)  These women of God believed the Word of God.  Their hope rested in the unchanging promises of an immutable God.   When our lives are rooted in truth and faith grows, then we become fruitful for God.  Until my last breath, I want to maintain the courage of my convictions and sustain my confidence in the Word of God.

This story ultimately, however, isn’t about Elizabeth and Mary—not even about the baby Elizabeth was carrying—a pretty important fellow named John the Baptist.  They are the supporting cast in this Divine drama.  The "star" of this show is the One who had just begun to form as a mass of cells multiplying in Mary's womb--the Lord Jesus Christ!  He was coming into the world to save us from sin.  No wonder the little John the Baptist leaped for joy in his mother’s womb!  Have you received Him as your Savior?  Leap at the chance!  There is no better time than  now.   You may be headed toward the finish line of life in a few minutes—will you be prepared to meet God?

If you have begun the Christian race with a personal commitment to Christ, how well are you running?  Many fade at the finish—no longer faithful, fervent or fruitful!  The pages of Scripture disclose many such sad examples: Samson, Saul, Solomon--who started off with much potential, but stumbled down the homestretch.  God deliver me!  Lord help us to race on and not falter!