“Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:57-58 KJV).
For an elderly woman to complete her pregnancy term and deliver her baby precisely on time with no complications, attest to the miraculous manner of this birth. Her neighbors and relatives have all the reasons to celebrate and rejoice as the angel Gabriel informed them from the start (Luke 1:14). This is another pivotal moment of the unfolding of God’s plan to save the world. This sets the stage for the coming of the ministry of grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As Elizabeth’s neighbors and cousins rejoiced in the birth of this miracle son of an old couple, we are stirred to be inspired by the closely-knitted fabric of their community. Their reaction is of unity in celebrating this moment. So often in today’s broken society, it is likely that those who do not receive joys and blessings are jealous, critical and even at times resentful of those who do receive them, especially blessings that are miraculous. In these days’ culture, this could be a major negative social media viral topic. They often paint and spin bad biopics out good things and hashtags it spreading like wild fire. It is amazing that Elizabeth's neighbors weren't that way and thankfully did not have the tools.
We are therefore reminded to follow their example and rejoice with those who rejoice! In fact, beyond the example of those who rejoiced with Elizabeth, we are imperatively instructed to rejoice with others. We are to find aspects of our families, friends, neighbors and others’ lives for which we can heartily rejoice. Doing so makes their blessings a source of blessing for us, as well. Resting in God's grace by faith in Christ Jesus, scriptures instruct us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:15-18 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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