Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Birth of John the Baptist
Luke 1:57-66
“Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him” (66)
The struggle of Zachariah and Elizabeth is a well-known story in the Bible. Their life story shows us many important qualities we, as Christians, should have. Zachariah and Elizabeth were told that they were not able to have kids but, at a late age, God told them that he had heard their prayers. This was a gift given to them because of their faith; they trusted in the Lord even though they knew their life was not like everyone else’s. They knew that although they had a difficult life, God did not forget them but rather He had a purpose for them.
Luke 1:57-66 tells us the story of naming the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth. All the people of Judea were confused on why they wanted to name him John since they did not have any relatives with that name. But, Elizabeth and Zachariah did not even have a slight argument or a doubt in naming him John because they knew that the good Lord had a plan for their son. God came to Zachariah in a dream and told him that John was to bring joy and will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. He will also bring back many people to the Lord in Israel.
Luke 1:64 says, “Immediately his mouth was open and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” This verse has a very powerful message. Zachariah was not able to speak for several years and yet when he was able to speak, he began to praise God! God blessed them abundantly by giving them a son, especially at a late age. When Zachariah wrote on the tablet that his son is to be named John, he knew that the Lord was working through him and after this miraculous moment, he was able to speak! Our Father has a meaning behind everything He does. We doubt his works sometimes, especially when it does not go the way we want it to go, but we have to be patient and stay strong in our faith. Knowing that God has a plan for each and every one of us should allow us to realize that we have nothing to worry about.
Prayer: Lord, let your will be done in our lives. Help us to stay strong in our faith and be patient. Amen
Thought for the Day: God’s plans are amazing and we don’t have to be worried about


Millie Mathews, St. Thomas M T C, New York

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