MONDAY December 19, 2022

God of Great Mercy

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 stayed with her cousin for three months and then returned home. It came time for Elizabeth to deliver her baby. In her old age, she gave birth to a son. She had remained in seclusion, but now her neighbors and relatives heard the good news and rejoiced with her. God had shown Elizabeth great mercy.

It was customary in Israel for a son to be named after his father. On the eighth day when the child was to be circumcised, they would have called him Zacharias after his father, but Elizabeth intervened; her baby’s name was to be John (Luke 1:59-60). Everyone must have looked confused and questioned in their minds, Why should his name be John? They approached Zacharias the baby’s father for confirmation (Luke 1:61-62).

Zacharias motioned for a tablet, and to everyone’s amazement, he wrote the child’s name––John (Luke 1:63). Immediately, his tongue was loosed, and he could speak, just as the angel Gabriel had said: “…behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time” (Luke 1:20).

A miracle had taken place! In his old age, before him was the child he had longed for––prayed for. Zacharias was filled with joy. He obeyed his God and called his newborn son––John. Instead of words of unbelief, Zacharias’ first words were words of faith. After such a long time of not being able to say anything, he praised his God (Luke 1:64).

God is a God of great mercy. Understand the character of God. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve––salvation. Are you in need of God’s mercy and grace today?

This is the meaning of Christmas. Oh, that God would waken your heart to your deep need for mercy as a sinner! And then ravish your heart with a great Savior, Jesus Christ. And then release your tongue to praise him….
~John Piper~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!