Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
It is amazing how many times one can read stories in the Bible and miss the gems hidden inside the narratives. When newly-pregnant Mary goes to visit her elderly relative, Elizabeth, to share the good news that she (Mary) will be the mother of the Messiah, something miraculous happens (Read Luke 1:39-56).
As Mary greets Elizabeth, who is past child-bearing age, and who is also pregnant, Elizabeth’s baby jumps in her womb. Most of us know that story, however, many skip over the details. Elizabeth tells Mary:
“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:44, 45, NIV).
John, the unborn child, the forerunner of the Christ-Child, “leaped for joy”! Even in utero Jesus is the reason for John’s joy. John could sense the presence of the Messiah through the sound of Mary’s greeting. Perhaps, as the women hugged, belly to belly, their unborn children made a divine connection.
It seems that John, who would pave the way for Jesus’ ministry, had already started. His joyful movements in the womb, which was accompanied by Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit, was confirmation to both Mary and Elizabeth herself that God rewards those who trust his Word. And, that God’s Son, the Messiah, was indeed making his entrance into the world.
The joy that Jesus brings is contagious! Elizabeth breaks out in song, blessing Mary.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (v.42, 43)
Isn’t it remarkable that Elizabeth already identifies the Child Jesus as her Lord? That is another confirming revelation given to her by the Holy Spirit.
Notice, there is no petty jealousy or rivalry between the women. There is nothing but joy. Don’t you wish that others would be happy when someone experiences blessings at the hand of the Lord?
Joy permeates the air as both women tell about the wonderful events God has planned for their lives. So, filled with joy, Mary sings in acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness. She can foresee his mercy and provision at work in the lives of his people.
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation”
(vv. 46-47, 50).
Oh that we, too, would glorify God. That we would find joy in the everyday things of life that we receive from his hand. Let’s praise God for family and friends, for life’s necessities, for opportunities that come because he called them into being. Let’s recognize that God, our Father, has given us Jesus… and Jesus has brought us joy!
PRAYER: Jesus, joy-giver, hope of all nations, we give you praise! Fill our hearts and lives with the joy only you can give. Remind us that in the small, seemingly insignificant things we can find joy. As we look forward to a New Year, be our joy, our hope, our comfort as we spread joy to those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©Medytations 2022
December 28, 2022
Wednesday’s Word
Jesus: The Center of Our Joy
It is amazing how many times one can read stories in the Bible and miss the gems hidden inside the narratives. When newly-pregnant Mary goes to visit her elderly relative, Elizabeth, to share the good news that she (Mary) will be the mother of the Messiah, something miraculous happens (Read Luke 1:39-56).
As Mary greets Elizabeth, who is past child-bearing age, and who is also pregnant, Elizabeth’s baby jumps in her womb. Most of us know that story, however, many skip over the details. Elizabeth tells Mary:
“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:44, 45, NIV).
John, the unborn child, the forerunner of the Christ-Child, “leaped for joy”! Even in utero Jesus is the reason for John’s joy. John could sense the presence of the Messiah through the sound of Mary’s greeting. Perhaps, as the women hugged, belly to belly, their unborn children made a divine connection.
It seems that John, who would pave the way for Jesus’ ministry, had already started. His joyful movements in the womb, which was accompanied by Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit, was confirmation to both Mary and Elizabeth herself that God rewards those who trust his Word. And, that God’s Son, the Messiah, was indeed making his entrance into the world.
The joy that Jesus brings is contagious! Elizabeth breaks out in song, blessing Mary.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (v.42, 43)
Isn’t it remarkable that Elizabeth already identifies the Child Jesus as her Lord? That is another confirming revelation given to her by the Holy Spirit.
Notice, there is no petty jealousy or rivalry between the women. There is nothing but joy. Don’t you wish that others would be happy when someone experiences blessings at the hand of the Lord?
Joy permeates the air as both women tell about the wonderful events God has planned for their lives. So, filled with joy, Mary sings in acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness. She can foresee his mercy and provision at work in the lives of his people.
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation”
(vv. 46-47, 50).
Oh that we, too, would glorify God. That we would find joy in the everyday things of life that we receive from his hand. Let’s praise God for family and friends, for life’s necessities, for opportunities that come because he called them into being. Let’s recognize that God, our Father, has given us Jesus… and Jesus has brought us joy!
PRAYER: Jesus, joy-giver, hope of all nations, we give you praise! Fill our hearts and lives with the joy only you can give. Remind us that in the small, seemingly insignificant things we can find joy. As we look forward to a New Year, be our joy, our hope, our comfort as we spread joy to those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©Medytations 2022
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