Take It To The Bank

Scripture: Luke 1:13, 14 "But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth,"

Observation: The visitation of Gabriel to announce the promise of John's birth by Elizabeth obviously brings up thoughts of Abraham, Sara, and Isaac. There are many similarities between the promises of the sons-to-come. But really strikes me today is the promise of "joy," "gladness," and the "rejoicing" by others.

Gabriel does not waste words. These all count so why does Gabriel include among the rest the affirmation of how the birth and subsequent days will be characterized?

A few thoughts arise:
1. Elizabeth was apparently concerned with how the pregnancy would go. She became quite recluse (vs. 24) likely because of what people might think, but also I believe for the same reasons mothers these days delay in revealing a pregnancy (especially at an older age): fear, concern of the thoughts of others, and protection during tender stages of pregnancy. All these things must have been swirling around in her mind, and her thoughts must have been even more difficult due to Zacharias' inability to verbally communicate with her. Further, there no doubt was some trepidation about how such a scandalous thing would be taken by the public.

2. This should be a joyful experience and I've no doubt the couple needed the reassurance that mortality was not going to be a factor for John.

Consequently, I see this:
1. The promises of God come to fruition. Luke was certain to include verse 58 just for that reason. In fact, the fulfillment of this joy and rejoicing began very early and continued throughout the pregnancy on into the days (months...years) that followed. We read in this one chapter that Mary's arrival brought joy from John in utero, Mary rejoiced in song about the amazing work of God in both of them, the neighbors rejoiced, and Zacharias rejoiced in song and prophesy. And then we hear from Jesus 30-some years later that there has been no one who walked the earth who was more great than John . . . God clearly rejoiced exuberantly over John!

2. The promises of God, when fulfilled, also bring praise to God's goodness and grace. In Chapter 1, Luke records that Zacharias, Mary, the neighbors, Elizabeth, and John (via Elizabeth) all praised God (vs. 41, 42-43, 46-55, 58, 64, 65, 68-77).

Application:
1. Read the Scriptures daily to know what promises he has already made and then rely on them in faith.

2. Pray daily to hear the specific promises the Spirit will reveal in due time for my specific needs and work.

3. Praise when they come to pass. (Of course, I should always praise the Lord for he is good forever, but I must be intentional about praising God for fulfilling his promises to me and I must do it to the world . . . not to a closet.

Prayer: Bless your name, Father. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and your greatness is unsearchable. There is no one trustworthy like you, God. Spirit, open my eyes and ready my hearth and mind for more of your truth and will. I love you. Amen.