Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened [about baby ###] 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
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 ###. However, they went beyond the normal speculation because they had reason to believe he was special. ### was special because he was conceived in Elizabeth's old age. [1] Also, Elizabeth's pregnancy began right after Zechariah had served in the Temple and had his ability to speak taken away by an angel. [2] Then came the surprising name for the baby — ###. [3] And, finally, Zechariah's speech returned upon the baby being named. [3] 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 [###] in a special way." God was at work in ### to do something spectacular. Just as with ###, 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 each child and to bless each one that God puts into our circle of influence!
[1] Luke 1:7, 18.
[2] Luke 1:19-20.
[3] Luke 1:13, 59-64.
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.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. 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 ###. However, they went beyond the normal speculation because they had reason to believe he was special. ### was special because he was conceived in Elizabeth's old age. [1] Also, Elizabeth's pregnancy began right after Zechariah had served in the Temple and had his ability to speak taken away by an angel. [2] Then came the surprising name for the baby — ###. [3] And, finally, Zechariah's speech returned upon the baby being named. [3] 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 [###] in a special way." God was at work in ### to do something spectacular. Just as with ###, 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 each child and to bless each one that God puts into our circle of influence!
[1] Luke 1:7, 18.
[2] Luke 1:19-20.
[3] Luke 1:13, 59-64.
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
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. 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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