The Gift of Responsibility
Scripture – Luke 1:57-60: 57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”
Reflection: Somehow Elizabeth got the message that her son was to be named John. Either Zechariah was able to communicate that to her or God somehow spoke to her.
What strikes me is she remembered this child was a gift from God. If He wanted him named John, that was fine with her. Sometimes I pray for things or long for them. Finally it comes about. I thank God for His blessing. Then, if I’m not careful, I move on as though what I received is all mine for me alone.
Children are a prime example. I still have a hard time remembering they are a gift from God – as well as a responsibility entrusted to me.
Zechariah was given some specific instructions about this child. (Luke 1:13-17) The easiest to follow would be naming him John. Elizabeth and Zechariah understood their role as parents. I will remember mine, as well.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, December 28
Scripture – Luke 1:61-66: 61They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
Reflection: Somehow Elizabeth got the message that her son was to be named John. Either Zechariah was able to communicate that to her or God somehow spoke to her.
What strikes me is she remembered this child was a gift from God. If He wanted him named John, that was fine with her. Sometimes I pray for things or long for them. Finally it comes about. I thank God for His blessing. Then, if I’m not careful, I move on as though what I received is all mine for me alone.
Children are a prime example. I still have a hard time remembering they are a gift from God – as well as a responsibility entrusted to me.
Zechariah was given some specific instructions about this child. (Luke 1:13-17) The easiest to follow would be naming him John. Elizabeth and Zechariah understood their role as parents. I will remember mine, as well.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, December 28
Scripture – Luke 1:61-66: 61They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
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