Characters at the Cradle: John the Baptist, The Birth

by David Chadwick

This week, we are going to look at another character at the cradle. Join me as we explore the birth of John the Baptist, found in Luke 1:57-66. We will start today by looking at verses 57 and 58.

Elizabeth’s time to give birth has finally arrived! After her five months of hiddenness and Zechariah’s nine months of silence, the divine time for John to enter the world had arrived!

Think about all that must have happened to Elizabeth over those nine months. Somehow, Zechariah figured out a way to tell her about Gabriel’s visit to him in the temple. The shock, the unbelief, the awe, the acceptance. You know there must have been a wide range of emotions.

Then, as alluded to earlier, for five months, Elizabeth hid herself and spent time absorbing the magnitude of this news. After so many long years of praying and waiting, they would finally have a son. And oh, how great this son would be!

Because Gabriel had shut Zechariah’s mouth after displaying unbelief, Elizabeth was left with a lot of time to ponder quietly during her pregnancy. She probably spent a lot of time in prayer and meditation.

Then, if you remember, Elizabeth also had that special designated time with her cousin, Mary. When Mary visited Elizabeth, John leaped in her womb in the presence of Jesus. Even in the womb, John knew he was in the presence of the Son of God. It's yet another pro-life verse people should study. A child in the womb can leap for joy!

When John was born, Elizabeth’s neighbors came and shared in her joy. They rejoiced in the Lord’s mercy toward her, giving her a child in old age, and ultimately removing the reproach of barrenness for her and Zechariah.

JOY! It’s what they all experienced. One of the greatest producers of joy is answered prayer. In fact, the Bible says that “hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12). Think about the many answered prayers that you have seen take place in your life. As you do, let faith arise that God still may answer the deepest desires of your heart.

Answered prayers always produce great joy. Have faith and continue to believe even before you have received the promise! This produces faith, which cannot be taken away.

And this faith realized produces great joy!

Characters at the Cradle: Mary’s Magnificat, Let There be Praise

by David Chadwick

Let there be praise! While Mary’s Magnificat ends with verse 55, Luke 1:56 tells us what Mary did after she completed this psalm of praise. I often find that the practical action steps that follow a spiritual encounter are equally as important, if not more, than the encounter itself. It is important to put action behind our experiences. Mary did just that.

The Bible says that Mary remained with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her home. What do you think happened in those three months? I can think of 3 things that I think happened.

First, I think Mary prayed and worshiped God, soaking in his unfailing love. I think she probably reflected on the words that she cried out to God in “The Magnificat.” The magnitude of the story unfolding. The faithfulness of God through generations.

Secondly, I think Mary processed with Elizabeth. If you remember, Elizabeth kept herself hidden for five months after finding out John was on the way. During that time, Elizabeth probably had times of worship and quiet reflection where she contemplated God’s mercy and grace. I’m sure she sat and reflected on all Gabriel had said to her husband, Zechariah.

I can remember my Marilynn, after long years of waiting for a child, finally learning that our first baby was on the way. She spent hours in prayer, praise, and contemplation. As her belly grew, she would often rub her tummy and thank God. Sing praises. Quote Bible verses.

Mary and Elizabeth probably also shared similar stories as they sat together in reflection. Can you imagine the conversations, prayer, and praise? The joy of sharing these two miracle stories? Possibly even writing things down to preserve the memories for generations to come. Whatever happened, I’m sure it was full of wonder.

Third, I think Mary prepared her heart to return home. You can’t stay on a mountaintop experience forever. When God speaks, it requires action. She probably began to prepare a room in her heart before she ever had to prepare a room in that manger bed.

Here’s one final thought. Do you think Mary stayed long enough to help deliver John? Her cousin was a bit older. So maybe Mary remained to ensure her cousin and baby were safe. It really is fun to think about how this story unfolded in real life. May we all praise God for his goodness, mercy, miracles, and many gifts to us. May gratitude fill our hearts!

God is truly good. He has done great things, and his favor is for all of us. Walk in humility, not pride. And taste and see that the Lord is good.

Characters at the Cradle: Mary’s Magnificat, God Loves Israel

by David Chadwick

Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-56 depicts a profound display of praise and adoration from Mary toward God. In the Latin Vulgate translation, “magnificat” means “magnifies.” These verses are designed to purely magnify the Lord God.

In verses 54 and 55, Mary said, “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

These verses mark a shift in Mary from praise for what God had done for her personally to praise for what this child would do for Israel. Mary knew that this gift of a Savior would be the greatest display of salvation that Israel had ever seen. Jesus would fulfill the promise of a Messiah, as promised throughout the Old Testament.

Through Jesus, the Israelites would remember God’s mercy for them in spite of their rebellion. They deserved dispersion and God’s punishment forever. But God, rich in mercy, not only brings the Israelites back to the land, but also shows them mercy, restoration, blessing, and hope.

God spoke to Abraham with covenant promises and then to his offspring through Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Throughout history, God continued to speak. And now, through Jesus, God would speak again!

Jesus, the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, and God in human flesh, would invade a dark world to reclaim all that was lost because of sin. Jesus was the ultimate display that God was not finished with Israel yet and that he still had a plan for salvation for Israel.

God’s love for Israel is clearly seen here. It was revealed through Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, and Second Coming. But this love didn’t stop with Israel. This message has always been for the masses! The love of Jesus is so radical that it was always designed to spill out onto the whole world. Salvation belongs to Jews and Gentiles, male and female, young and old, rich and poor.

This salvation message has transcended generations and times. The love of God for Israel was the seedbed in which the miracle message of salvation was able to grow, multiply, and touch the ends of the earth.

To you and me. All praise to our God for his lovingkindness!