2023/09/07 - Luke 1: Zacharia & Elizabeth, Mary, & Birth of John the Baptist
Jerry Starling
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Reading: Luke 1: Zachariah & Elizabeth, Mary, & Birth of John the Baptist
Verses for Today:
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
Daily Devo
Introduction to Luke
Luke dedicated his book to Theophilus, a name which means “God Lover.” He said he researched the things just as they were handed down from the beginning, “So that you may know the truth concerning the things you have been instructed.”
Zechariah & Elizbeth
Zechariah, an elderly priest whose wife Elizabeth was elderly and barren, was offering incense when an angel appeared and said, “Zechariah, Elizabeth will bear a son. Call him John. Before his birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will have Elijah's Spirit and power to prepare people for the Lord.”
Zechariah said, “How will I know this?” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. God sent me with this news. You did not believe me. You will be mute until these things occur.” He went home, Elizabeth conceived and was secluded for about five months.
Birth of Jesus Foretold
In Elizabeth’s sixth month, God sent Gabriel to Mary, a virgin. Gabriel said, “Greetings, the Lord is with you.” She wondered. Gabriel said, “You have favor with God. You will conceive, have a Son, and name Him Jesus. He will be called the Son of The Highest. God will give Him David’s throne. He will reign eternally. His kingdom never ends.”
Mary replied, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.” Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you. The Child will be holy; He will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son; this is her sixth month.” Mary said, “Here I am; let it be according to your word.”
Mary & Elizabeth
Mary quickly went to Elizabeth and greeted her. The child jumped in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth, “Filled with the Holy Spirit, said, ‘Blessed are you among women; blessed is the fruit of your womb."’
Mary sang her Magnificat, remained with Elizabeth for about three months, and went home.
Birth of John
When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth. Friends rejoiced with Elizabeth for God giving her a son. On the eighth day, they wanted to name him Zechariah. Elizabeth objected, “No, he is John.” They asked Zechariah who wrote, “His name is John.” Zechariah regained speech and praised God.
Zechariah’s Prophecy
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised a mighty savior for us in the house of David.” He continued for several verses speaking of God’s promises through prophets and his oath to Abraham.
He finally came to John, “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give light to those in darkness in the shadow of death.”
“John became strong in spirit, and lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.”
John went to the wilderness. His aged parents died. Did he join the Qumran community there?
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Pray for Yourself
Father, what a joy to look in on the announcements of the births of John and Jesus. I pray that I will ever worship Jesus my Lord respect the humility of John and emulate it. In the precious, holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me)
Father, I offer this prayer for all who may read these words. May each of us meditate long and hard on these announcements of the births of Your Son and His forerunner. May we worship Your Son and respect the one who prepared his way. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN!
Updates for Central
The Kid’s Club will be on Saturday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., for ages five to twelve. Kendra Criss oversees this date.
Sunday Night for the Master will be on September 17. Light snacks will be provided following the evening worship.
Our Donation for Eastern European Mission’s Million Dollar Sunday will be taken on September 24. The entire contribution that day will go to EEM for Bibles in the old Soviet bloc of nations in Eastern Europe. Last year increased by 24% over 2021 with the most Bibles ever given away at about 1,964,000 Bibles distributed. They are hoping for more this year. What began as smuggling Bibles, after the fall of Communism, became an open mission with public schools and many other clients asking for Bibles.
Prayer Needs
Tina Phillips tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday. Pray for her and Tom that he does not get it.
Pat Duncan’s friend’s grandchild Daniel is home. Keep the family in your prayers.
Shane Ledford tested positive for COVID-19 Friday morning, and Tom followed on Saturday. Pray for both Ledfords.
Susan Allen came home Thursday following her procedure. Keep her in your prayers.
Cindi Criss had her surgical procedure Friday, late in the day, stayed two nights in the hospital, but was discharged on Sunday, September 3. Keep her in your prayers.
Jennifer San Juan asked for more prayer for her daughter, Dawn. She is not doing very well, and Jennifer is deeply concerned. Keep them in your prayers.
Carl Bolli asks for prayers, as he fell a few weeks ago. He missed his CAT scan d/t the storm and is rescheduled for September 8. Keep him in your prayers.
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home and is doing well. Brenda is coming home today.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. Ruth said he is in rehab, and they are looking for a nursing home for him. Their daughter is also still recuperating from her broken ankle. She needs prayers as does the whole family.
Kristi Holder says she is improving with her neck but is tired of the neck brace. She will have the rigid brace until the end of October, so she still has weeks of wearing that brace. Keep her in your prayers.
Joy Bland found she had a broken bone in her foot that required a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks and had a PET scan. She is considering further treatment.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.