4.1.25 Luke 1:21-25

Prepare

O God, would you move. I give my heart and life to you.
Take a moment to be still.

Read Luke 1:21-25

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Reflect

I find these some amongst the most heartbreaking words in Scripture. Elizabeth’s lack of child has led her to feel a disgrace amongst her people. Of course, if this were true it is unlikely God would have chosen her to mother John. In truth, she was not a disgrace to God. Sadly, she felt a real shame and stigma from her community. Her pregnancy of John would relieve some of that shame she felt, but ultimately it would be Jesus who removed all guilt and shame.

Be

Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves that Jesus has stripped all our shame away. When we continue to feel shame we must remind ourselves that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ.

Become

It is easy for us to be part of a culture that inadvertently makes others feel shameful. Lord open our eyes to ways in which we are complicit to this.

Lord help us to be those who reach out a hand to those who feel forgotten or pushed aside by either church culture, or wider culture.

Do

Lord have mercy.
You touched the leper. Help us to stretch out our arms as you did.

Christ have mercy.
You stood with the forgotten. Help us to remember all your precious people.

Lord have mercy.
You challenged society. Help us to stand against injustice.

Practice

Try to take a few moments out of today to remind yourself of your freedom from shame – and celebrate!