The Birth of John...

 WORDS OF LIFE

Monday 22 December

LUKE 1:57-66

The birth of John

He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' And they were all amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God (vv 63-64 CSB)

NO one truly knows what goes on between two people in a marriage, and we are not even permitted a glimpse through a half-opened door to discover the conversation between Elizabeth and her muted husband Zechariah on the subject of baby names. The angel had told Zechariah that the baby was to be called John and somehow Zechariah had been able to communicate this, and convince Elizabeth.

The baby was born amid great excitement, and neighbours and relatives recognised God's mercy to Elizabeth. At the synagogue on the eighth day, the child was going to be named after his father, but Elizabeth insisted the name would be John. They looked to Zechariah, who could only write his response, and he agreed that John was to be the baby's name.

Zechariah was released from his bondage and filled with the Holy Spirit, and immediately spoke words of prophecy, in which he articulated the life and ministry of his newborn son. The child would be a prophet of the Most High, and would give people a knowledge of salvation.

God's master plan for the redemption of the world was gradually unfolding. They were a part of it, but these were uncharted waters, and no one properly understood how this plan would be fulfilled.

We are hugely privileged to be able to glimpse an overview of God's plan of redemption, but this creates a responsibility within us to follow ever more closely, as his disciples. As we see God's plan being revealed to us once again during this Advent season, let us strive for a greater understanding, and a deeper intimacy with our Lord.

For the angels proclaimed that a Saviour was born To save a poor sinner like me.     

— Anon (SASB 156 v 1)

#SeasonOfPrayerAndCommitment  - Salvationist online