The Lord's Hand Upon Us!

"I wonder what this child will turn out to be? " Luke 1:66

Of course there would be wonder and speculation! Of course the news would spread throughout the Judean hills! Elizabeth, the one thought to be barren, who was very old, was now with child, and about to give birth. Her husband, the Jewish priest Zechariah, became mute some months ago, when angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was in the sanctuary. Now 8 days old, the boy would be circumcised, and all the friends and relatives assumed he would be named after his father. But Elizabeth said, "No, His name is John!" 

"What? But there is no one in your family named John!" they objected. And the mute father, wrote on a tablet, "His name is John!" Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and speak he did, praising God! The friends and relatives who were there repeated these events to their friends and relatives, and there was much amazement. "I wonder what this child will turn out to be? Surely the Lord's hand is upon him in a special way." We all know that John grew up to be a great prophet, and he met an ignominious end for his convictions. 

We too have a special story about how loved and precious we are to our parents, how excited they were when they found out they were going to have a child, how our godparents were chosen, little things and big things. Indeed our parents and relatives probably wondered what would become of us. Our story may not be written down for all to read, but the Lord's hand was upon us in a special way, and still is. 

Lord, may we live our life for You. Like John, You have a special plan for each of us, a purpose. May we be faithful, and diligent, and excel in what You have given us to do. May we grow in our abilities and strengths and live to give You glory!