Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened [about baby John] spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, "What will this child turn out to be?" For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.
—Luke 1:65-66 NLT
Key Thought
Speculation about a newborn is nothing new. Parents, family, and friends have looked down on a sleeping newborn and wondered, "What will this child turn out to be?" It was natural that people had this question about John. However, they went beyond the normal speculation because they had reason to believe he was special. John was special because he was conceived in Elizabeth's old age. Also, Elizabeth's pregnancy occurred right after Zechariah had served in the Temple and lost his ability to speak. Then came the surprising name for the baby — John. And, finally, Zechariah's speech returned upon the baby being named. That's quite an amazing and unforgettable pregnancy and birth. The people's wonder and amazement came from recognizing that "the hand of the Lord was surely upon [John] in a special way." God was at work in John to do something spectacular. Just as with John, we need to remember that God is at work in each child, from the moment of conception, to do something spectacular. Let's commit to pray for and to bless each child that God puts into our circle of influence!
Today's Prayer
O glorious God, you alone are Creator of the universe and giver of life! Please use me to bless your precious children. Work in the hearts of our people so that we will value each child as you do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 1:65-66 NLT
Key Thought
Speculation about a newborn is nothing new. Parents, family, and friends have looked down on a sleeping newborn and wondered, "What will this child turn out to be?" It was natural that people had this question about John. However, they went beyond the normal speculation because they had reason to believe he was special. John was special because he was conceived in Elizabeth's old age. Also, Elizabeth's pregnancy occurred right after Zechariah had served in the Temple and lost his ability to speak. Then came the surprising name for the baby — John. And, finally, Zechariah's speech returned upon the baby being named. That's quite an amazing and unforgettable pregnancy and birth. The people's wonder and amazement came from recognizing that "the hand of the Lord was surely upon [John] in a special way." God was at work in John to do something spectacular. Just as with John, we need to remember that God is at work in each child, from the moment of conception, to do something spectacular. Let's commit to pray for and to bless each child that God puts into our circle of influence!
Today's Prayer
O glorious God, you alone are Creator of the universe and giver of life! Please use me to bless your precious children. Work in the hearts of our people so that we will value each child as you do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
