Birth of John the Baptist
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 1:57-58
Mary had stayed with her cousin for three months; then came the time for Elizabeth to deliver her baby. The Lord in His mercy had taken away her shame of not being able to have a child. Elizabeth had a time of seclusion but now her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had blessed her. He had given her a son––everyone rejoiced (Luke 1:56-58).
The miracle of Elizabeth giving birth in her old age was not the only wonder to happen––on the eighth day, those present expect the baby to be named after his father but Elizabeth had said no, his name would be John. Confused by an unfamiliar name not found in their family lineage, they looked to Zacharias for further confirmation (Luke 1:59-62).
Zacharias motioned for a tablet and in their amazement he wrote the name––John. Immediately his tongue was loosed and he could speak, just as the angel had said (Luke 1:20). Notice, the very first words to come out of his mouth were pure praise to his God (Luke 1:59-64).
When Zacharias had heard the angel Gabriel’s message, at first, he had spoken words of unbelief. He could not even imagine the possibility of a child being born to him in his old age. But now, when what was spoken had taken place, and he had obediently called the child John, he praised God, fully and completely.
It is very important that we examine what comes out of our mouths. Do we question God’s Word in unbelief? Or do we believe His Word and have nothing but praise on our lips?
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
~Psalm 34:1~
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