Fellowship and Communion

Luke 1:39-45 - suggested further reading Hebrews 11:1-6

Observe the benefits of fellowship and communion between believers. We read of a visit paid by the Mother of Christ to her cousin Elisabeth. We are told in a striking manner how the hearts of both these holy women were cheered, and their minds lifted up, by this interview.

We should always regard communion with other believers as an eminent means of grace. It is a refreshing break in our journey along the narrow way to exchange experience with our fellow travelers. There are many who fear the Lord and think upon His name and yet forget to speak often one to another (Mal. 3:16). First let us seek the face of God. Then let us seek the face of God's friends.

What clear spiritual knowledge appears in the language of Elizabeth! She calls Mary 'the mother of my Lord'. The words 'my Lord' at the time they were spoken implied far more than we are apt to suppose. They were nothing less than a distinct declaration that the child who was to be born was the long-promised Messiah (Psalm 110:1), the Christ of God. Let us beware of using these words lightly. With holy reverence let them fall from our lips. There are two texts connected with the expression which should often come to our minds (1 Corinthians 12:3; Phil. 2:11).

What high praise Elisabeth bestows upon the grace of faith! We need not wonder that this holy woman should thus commend faith. She was well acquainted with the Old Testament. She knew the great things faith had done. What is the whole history of God's saints in every age, but a record of men and women who obtained a good report by faith?

Do we know anything of this precious faith? Do we know anything of the faith of God's elect? (Titus 1:1). Let us never rest till we know it by experience. Better a thousand times be rich in faith than rich in gold. Gold will be worthless in the unseen world to which we are all traveling. Faith will be owned in that world before God the Father and the holy angels.

For Meditation: Nothing will be able to make up for lack of faith on the great and terrible Day of Judgment.

~J. C. Ryle~