TUESDAY December 15, 2020
The Birth of John the Baptist
And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house. Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
Luke 1:56-58
Mary had stayed with her cousin Elizabeth for three months, and then she returned home. Now came the time for Elizabeth to deliver her baby. Elizabeth had remained in seclusion until the birth of her son. Now the news spread among her neighbors and relatives. The Lord had shown His great mercy toward her by giving her a son––everyone rejoiced.
Elizabeth gave birth to a child even though she was old, yet this was not the only miracle to happen. On the eighth day, the child, according to tradition, was circumcised, and those present expected the child to be given his father’s name. However, Elizabeth spoke and told them the baby’s name was to be John. The relatives and neighbors must have been confused by this unfamiliar name. It was not found in their family lineage, so they looked to Zacharias for further confirmation (Luke 1:59-62).
Zacharias motioned for a tablet, and in their amazement, he wrote the name––John. Immediately his tongue was loosed, and he could speak, just as the angel had said (Luke 1:20). When Zacharias had heard the angel Gabriel’s message at first, he had spoken words of unbelief. Now the very first words uttered from his mouth were pure praise to his God (Luke 1:64). Zacharias could not even imagine the possibility of a child being born to him in his old age. But now, when what was spoken had taken place, and he had obediently called the child John, he praised God, fully and completely.
Do you question God’s Word in unbelief? Or do you believe His Word and have nothing but praise on your lips?
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
~Psalm 34:1 CSB~
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