MONDAY December 16, 2024
Miracle After Miracle
And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house. 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 1:56-58
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before returning home. It was a long journey, about 100 miles. Soon Joseph would have to be told about Mary’s pregnancy. Imagine what she must have contemplated. Perhaps she thought, How will he take the news?
Elizabeth was full-term; it was time to give birth to her child. She had kept herself in seclusion, away from the attention of people. It must have been nice to have the company of Mary with her for the last three months of her pregnancy. When the news did reach the ears of her neighbors and relatives, they were so excited. They rejoiced with her, knowing that the Lord had shown her great mercy and blessed her with a son in her old age!
Elizabeth’s relatives and neighbors had witnessed a miracle, but another miracle was also about to happen. On the eighth day, it was customary for a son to be named after his father. However, Elizabeth voiced that the baby’s name was to be John. Those relatives and neighbors in attendance must have looked confused; John was not a family name, so they looked to Zacharias for further confirmation (Luke 1:59-62).
Zacharias motioned for a tablet. He wrote down, “His name is John.” Suddenly, the next miracle happened! Instantly, after nine long months, he was able to speak. Do you remember what the angel Gabriel had said to him? “... you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place...” (Luke 1:20).
Zacharias’ first words were pure praise to his God (Luke 1:67-79). He was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave a prophecy concerning his son and of the Messiah. What will you praise God for at Christmastime?
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
~Psalm 34:1 CSB~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
