Elizabeth: Worship

“But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43). (Emphasis added.)

Elizabeth was a worshiper and her given name supports that truth. The Exhaustive Dictionary of Bible Names, confirms her name’s meaning: “God is her oath, a worshiper of God; to whom God is the oath; God of the covenant; oath of my God; my God has sworn.” But for Elizabeth that worship was more than a simple definition from the name’s original meaning. Elizabeth worshiped with every fiber of her being. So what does that tell us? For a full examination of the facts, we must go to a neighborhood on the outskirts of Jerusalem to the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth. As we do, Mary has just arrived at Elizabeth’s and come in. If you are unfamiliar with Elizabeth’s story, you may review it in Luke 1.

At Mary’s unannounced arrival, the Holy Spirit illuminated Elizabeth’s understanding. What does that tell us? Simply this: That God’s Spirit “filled” Elizabeth, giving her divine insight to see and comprehend the reality - the truth about Mary. What was it? Mary’s immaculate conception, of course! Plus, the immense importance of the “Child” within Mary’s womb. Bear in mind, that there was no outward physical evidence that Mary was pregnant. So months before her coveted calling could be evidenced or detected, the Holy Spirit revealed the marvelous truth to Elizabeth and John within her womb! Take notice of that incredible truth, too! And what a thought to behold! John the Baptist, who would be Jesus’ forerunner, was also filled with God’s Spirit, as prophesied, from deep within Elizabeth’s womb, and the appropriate response occurred. At John’s filling, the divine revelation came, and he leaped for joy in his mother’s womb. It seems that within that framework, John also worshiped! How astounding! (See John 1:15; 1:44.) That would make Elizabeth the first worshiper and John the youngest. I dare say, no other babies have been filled with God’s spirit or worshiped from the womb. Indeed, that gives the often used faith declaration of old, “from womb to the tomb,” significant traction!

Notice how Elizabeth received and responded to the marvelous revelation of Jesus. She worshiped! As all believers should, Elizabeth worshiped Him, instantly, and confessed the unborn child as God - the Lord. But it was even more profound than that. From our selected text, we see that Elizabeth identified Jesus specifically as “my Lord!” Indeed, by the power of God’s Spirit, that’s what the revelation of Jesus always brings to bear - the truth of His deity - and heartfelt, spirit-filled praise, worship, and confession.

Yes, Elizabeth worshiped! Since her worship is today’s focus, let’s highlight what that means. A simple explanation comes from Dr. Wayne Grudem, who describes worship as “the activity of glorifying God in His presence with our voices and hearts.” So, as you can see, singing is only one aspect of worship. In God’s opinion, it’s definitely more than what we evidence as “worship” in most churches of today. Think of it like this: If worship were a meal, the singing would be a side dish or an accompaniment, but not the main course or the featured entrée. Since singing is merely an aspect of “worship,” God-honoring worship might not involve singing - at all - and Elizabeth’s didn’t!

Incidentally, the first act of biblical worship didn’t involve singing either. Even so, that “inaugural worship” gives us valuable insight into God’s view of worship. Who was this first worshiper? And when and where did it occur? Some two thousand years before Abraham and Sarah’s faith journey began, Abel worshiped. That’s right! The Bible records that Adam and Eve’s son, Abel, was the first worshiper of record. You might be surprised to discover that it was not his offering or its worth that made Abel’s worship pleasing and acceptable to God. Neither did his worship include singing. Instead, it was Abel’s heart which defined his acts, and that’s what links us not only to Elizabeth’s worship but to the pleasing, God-honoring worship of all the saints through the ages. What was it? Their hearts! Indeed, it was the motive of their hearts! If you’re wondering what made their hearts unique, you’re not alone. Since the beginning, we have marveled at hearts of worship. Take notice that both hearts were filled with faith. One worshiped with words, and the other gave a sacrifice. But when they worshiped, both acts came from the abundance of their faith-filled hearts. That means what was inside their hearts came forth. Abel’s heart was compelled to give, and Elizabeth’s heart was compelled to confess faith in the Jesus - the incarnate God. So what does that tell us?

Neither could worship apart from faith. The writer of Hebrews explains: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The writer also offered these inspired words concerning Abel: “By faith, Abel offered to God a excellent sacrifice…” There we see it. By faith, Abel offered. Likewise, when Elizabeth confessed Christ, she worshiped, too, because apart from faith, she lacked the spiritual eyes to see. Also, and lest we forget, faith is the means of grace by which we are saved. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Elizabeth hoped in the promise of “my Lord” - her personal Savior - and, indeed, her faith was rewarded. Although we don’t see it in scripture, we can rest in knowing that both of their hearts were pure before God. How can we know? God received their worship as pleasing and acceptable. Notice, too, that Elizabeth was the first human of record to worship Jesus as Lord, her personal Savior - the incarnate God!

What’s the takeaway? Worship is meaningless unless it comes from a faith-filled heart. Love for God and faith in Him are essential because out of the abundance of our hearts, the evidence of faith comes forth. When it comes, it may be in the form of singing or not. Like Abel’s, it may be in the form of an offering that we are compelled to give, or it may burst forth in praises and adoration to our merciful God. And lastly, since sin hinders our communication, we must confess our sins when we come to worship Him. Faith, too, guides that process. Remember, it takes faith to confess. Otherwise, why would we bother? When we come to God and confess His Name and ask for pardon, we believe that we have the surety of pardon and the benefits of forgiveness in this life and the next. Ladies, that’s worship! Thanks be to God! All of the above are acceptable when we come to God with clean hands and pure, faith-filled hearts!

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, give us faith-filled hearts of worship. Never let us lose the hunger to worship You in spirit and in truth. Thank you, Jesus, my Lord, and Savior! Amen and amen.