Luke 1:57-66, 80
Now the time came for
Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his
great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were
going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he
wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And
all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he
began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were
talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this
child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
80 The child grew and became strong
in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to
Israel.
Reflection:
Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors’ response to all of the events occurring around John’s birth is fear. What exactly are they afraid of? Are afraid of this child who obviously has the blessing of the Lord on him? Are they afraid that they will be challenged and stretched in new ways? Are they fearful of God’s power to do amazing things? I’m sure it’s some combination of all of these and more. I see myself in these neighbors- scared of change, fearful of God’s amazing power, and challenged by the people who have God’s anointing over them. Yet, I also remember the words spoken to Elizabeth’s cousin Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Even in the fear, I can choose to be unafraid and embrace the changes and challenges of a faithful life.
Reflection Questions:
Morning: Of what are you afraid?
Noon: Do you approach God with fear?
Evening: How can you remind yourself to not be afraid, but to embrace God’s power in your life?
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