Filled with joy when I feel forgotten

Sunday, we got one last taste of the Christmas story in the form of the miraculous conception of John the Baptist, born to Zechariah and Elizabeth when they were advanced in years. Zechariah was a priest, and Elizabeth was the daughter of a priest, and the married couple are considered to have been faithful, righteous people. But Elizabeth had heretofore been barren.

The story is related at length in Luke 1. Therein are several points to remember.

First, we tend to feel forgotten when righteousness goes unregarded. Things that can destroy faith are being unfed, unwed, unconnected, and infertile.

We tend to feel forgotten when faithfulness goes unrewarded.

And we tend to feel forgotten when time goes on unrelenting.

On the other hand, we feel joy when God’s presence is revealed, when God’s comfort is experienced, and when God’s provision is detailed.

When the angel describes their yet-to-be born son, he gives five characteristics of greatness: consecration, Spirit-filled, redemptive, typical, harmonious.

The name John literally means the Lord has been gracious to me. Zechariah means Yahweh remembers. Elizabeth means God, my promise.

Your capacity to be blessed is directly related to your willingness to embrace the message that God has been gracious.

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