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Luke 1
The first chapter of Luke contains 80 verses, which cover the entire history
of John the Baptist, from the prophecy of his coming to his birth. Luke spends
a great deal of time speaking about the parents of John the Baptist, Zechariah
and Elizabeth. The first significant event is the silencing of Zechariah. He
was punished for not believing God’s words that at an old age and after many
years his wife would bear a son. Although Zechariah’s situation was a
situation of impossibilities, it was his disbelief and doubt in the words of
the angel of God that got him into trouble.
So often we find ourselves in situations where we are to blindly trust God’s
words and his commands for our lives. As women, our lives are so intertwined
with those of our family members that our decision making is crucial; it
affects so many. Popular culture tells us, "Go with your instinct."
However, the word of God is not about what is popular or normal. God commands
us to follow him even when it goes against the grain, for he has a plan for our
lives and promises to lead us if we are willing to follow.
As I read about Elizabeth, I was especially touched by two beautiful verses
that touch on the same theme of following God’s direction and plan for our
lives. Verse 37 states, "For nothing will be impossible with God."
How often do we find ourselves in situations that we feel are unbelievably
impossible — for God and humankind alike. As I think about the
Palestinian/Israeli conflict, a situation that I am directly involved in, I
find myself disheartened and full of doubt that there will ever be true peace
in the lives of my people and my family. I try to find answers to so many
enormous questions, and I look for rays of sunshine in the midst of centuries
of gloom. I pray that verse 37 applies to my situation today and not just to
Elizabeth and Zechariah’s.
In verse 45 we read, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the
Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Elizabeth trusted in the words
of the angel and bore a healthy son who became the forerunner of Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist brought much joy to Elizabeth and Zechariah. They trusted in
God, and he gave them the desires of their hearts. This is our hope and
assurance in the promises of God to us.
Prayer
May God through his son Jesus show you his will for your life and give you the
strength to believe and trust, even when it seems to be the impossible and
unpopular road to travel.
Grace El-Yateem is a Palestinian Christian woman, a registered nurse, and
mother of three.
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible,
copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education
of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.
Copyright
© 2002 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. All rights
reserved.
May be reproduced for use in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America provided the copyright information above appears on
every copy with these words: Used with permission.
For all other purposes
contact Women of the ELCA.
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