God gave Elizabeth a word of knowledge. Luke 1: 42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?[1] An angel had told Mary that she would conceive and bear a son, Jesus. At the same time, this angel told Mary that her elderly relative, Elizabeth, was pregnant. Shortly after the angel’s visit, Mary went to seek Elizabeth.
How did Elizabeth know that Mary was pregnant with Jesus? There was no email or phone, and Elizabeth would not expect her virgin relative to be pregnant, let alone pregnant with the Son of God. The only explanation is that the Holy Spirit gave her this information. This type of information can also be called a Word of Knowledge.
What is a Word of Knowledge?
Paul tells us that a word of knowledge is a gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12: 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all… 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.[2]
A Word of Knowledge is simply the Holy Spirit downloading His specific knowledge to us on something that we would have no natural ability to know through our own knowledge. It is supernatural insight being given directly to us by the Holy Spirit Himself.[3]
God can give us information about something minor, such as the location of lost keys. Our Lord can also provide insight into a relationship problem or warn of an impending disaster. These can come as a thought, an impression, or even a picture in your mind’s eye.
Why Would God Give a Word of Knowledge?
I think God gave Elizabeth insight into Mary’s pregnancy so they could marvel over God’s actions in their lives. Others might say they were crazy, but they could encourage each other during this special time. Each pregnancy was supernatural, and we all need others to share watershed moments.
I believe God still gives us words of knowledge to bless and guide us. We are often blessed to bless others and grow the Kingdom. God may provide us with a solution to a problem at work or even a new invention. This would bring personal blessings, but it would also help others. He can give us insight into how to solve a dispute or comfort those in a disaster. This enables us to spread God’s love and open hearts to receive the Gospel.
To get a word of knowledge, we must stay close to Jesus. We can certainly ask for divine insight, but it will come in God’s timing and way. God loves us and cares for us, and one way He does that is by giving us insight through the Holy Spirit.
To learn how God gave Elizabeth a word of knowledge, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-speaks-in-worship
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] https://rootsandwingsmi.org/what-is-a-word-of-knowledge/, accessed September 1, 2024.