11.1.25 Luke 1:57-66

11 January

Prepare

Psalm 9:1 "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart."

Take a moment to be still with a thankful heart.

Read – Luke 1:57-66

When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.

Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,

but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.

He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”

Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

All the neighbours were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.

Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Reflect

This passage captures a moment of God’s faithfulness fulfilled and celebrated. Elizabeth and Zechariah’s obedience to name their son John reflects their trust in God’s plan. The neighbours marvel, recognizing that God’s hand is at work.

The name John comes from the Hebrew name ‘Yochanan’ which means ‘Yahweh is gracious’ or ‘The Lord has shown favour’.

Shall we spend the next few minutes reflecting on the grace of God?

Be

Lord, we thank you for your faithfulness and for showing us your mercy.

Help us not to take our relationship with you for granted. Help us remember that we can only BE with you because of your grace, because of what you’ve done for us on the cross.

Become

Jesus, shape us into people who are grateful for what you have done. Who aren’t entitled or think we deserve your grace. Help us to become like you and be people of grace, showing grace, compassion and mercy to others.

Do

May this story inspire us to show grace to others.

Practice:

Who do you need to be more gracious with? Who are you finding annoying or frustrating that you might need to show some compassion to?

Of all the people you know, who might be searching for God? Who might be ready to encounter God’s grace? Whom might the Holy Spirit highlight so that you can reach out to today?

As we celebrate God’s grace in our lives, we ask that he will form in us a similar humble, gentle and gracious heart to love and care for others well.