Daily Reading: Luke 1
Scripture Focus: They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1.7)
Devotional Thought: Luke 1 begins with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth who became the parents of John the Baptist. Zechariah was an old priest, and Elizabeth was an old barren woman. Verse 7 of this first chapter paints a stark and bleak picture of the couple: “They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.” Let’s consider that verse.
They had no child. Being childless in that day was one of the worst things that could happen to a family. Their future financially, socially, emotionally, and even professionally was tied to having a child. And, fair or not, the barren woman bore the blame - and the subsequent shame
Elizabeth was barren. Here Luke assigns the cause of the problem directly to Elizabeth. Whether it was an assumption on his part or the result of divine revelation, Luke states that it was she who was unable to conceive and to bear children. Unlike today, Elizabeth had no recourse except perhaps folk remedies. She was barren. That was that.
Both were advanced in years. There is a tinge of resignation in that sentence isn’t there? Their time had passed. Their hopes were dead. But, God had different plans! He had prepared them for such a time as this. In his wisdom and in his own good time, he was about to change everything!
Perhaps the expectations for your future have been dulled. You have been written off by those around you, declared barren and hopeless. Maybe you feel that you have missed your opportunity to make a difference. May this scripture remind you today that no situation is too far gone for God, and no life is barren of hope as long as God is in control.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the birth of hope in my despair, life in my death, and healing in my sickness. You, O Lord, have not written me off! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: 14 "This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. 17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine." (Psalms 132:13-18)
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