We entered week 4 of the study with reading Luke 1:39-45.

It’s easy to forget Elizabeth and Mary were women just as we. We need to remember this as we read these familiar happenings. As I did so, verse 45 fell fresh:

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (NASB)

The verse is worded so that the fulfillment was future, yet to come.

These women had to believe and trust God for the fulfillment of His promise to them. They had to stand firm on what they had been told.

Do we believe even when the fulfillment seems far off? Out of reach? Not probable?

What are we believing for? It most likely will require each of us to trust God to bring it to pass.

May verse 45 resound in our thoughts today: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” 

~*~*~

In Luke 1:57-66, we find Elizabeth gives birth and on the eighth day, Elizabeth and Zacharias are going to have their son circumcised.

Notice in verse 59, they originally were going to call him, Zacharias, after his father. But Elizabeth puts a stop to that quickly, saying, “No, indeed, but he shall be called “John” (verse 60, NASB).

The relatives push back a bit. This made me laugh as it is so true. When it comes to names, everyone has a name to suggest for a baby.

Then Zacharias weighs in, writing on the tablet (remember he is still mute), “His name is John” (verse 63, NASB).

And at once, his mouth is opened and he was able to speak.

Obedience is like that – once we obey, we see the floodgates open. Whether it is the relief we feel inside because we have obeyed or it is the blessing which follows obedience, I am not sure. Obedience brings such a blessed release.

But their obedience brought even more …

“The neighbors heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy towards her, and they were rejoicing with her” (verse 58,NASB).

There have surely been times of disobedience in my life which I have lived to regret. But never once have I regretted the times I have obeyed, even when it made no sense to me whatsoever.

May we remember the example of obedience we find in this familiar story, and obey quickly.

Is God asking you to do something that makes no sense to you right now? Take time today to reflect and see what is holding you back. Ask Him to give you a heart willing to obey quickly.

“You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14, NASB)

~*~*~

In Luke 1:76-80, we find Zechariah’s prophecy about his own son, John, and the role he would play in the life of Jesus – he would prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus.

Perhaps the Lord has called you to do something to further His Kingdom. Perhaps it is to share the Christmas story with your family, or your neighbors. Perhaps it is to send a Christmas card to someone unexpectedly. Or maybe even share some baked cookies.

It was verse 80 that stood apart from the other words:

“And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” (NASB)

John lived in the desert, in the wilderness if you will, until the day he was supposed to begin what God had prepared him to do. He remained hidden with no one knowing of the importance of his calling.

During that time, he grew and became strong in spirit. He grew in the Lord until it was time for him to make his public debut.

This is my prayer for all of us as we close this week:

“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:17-18, NASB)

~*~*~

Believe.
Obey.
Grow.

Photo 1: by Denisse Leon on Unsplash
Photo 2:  by 4motions Werbeagentur on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Today I am joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .