Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 December 2021
Topic: What Then Is This Child Going To Be?
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me understanding and illumination as I ponder on your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Luke 1:57-66
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
What example is there for us in vs.57-58? Someone has observed that if we rejoice with those who rejoice as much as we sorrow with those who sorrow, the church would be a better place (Romans 12:15). The birth of a child was a cause for all relatives and friends to come and rejoice with the couple, and more so when it was a miracle child, born in old age. But notice the firmness of Elizabeth regarding the name of the child (vs.59-61).
She was confident to do this because her husband, though dumb, took her into confidence concerning the message he had received from the angel (v.60, compare v.13). They both obeyed God’s commands for the boy. Husbands and wives should, like this godly couple, be known for their unity. We must ensure that against all pressures, God’s word for us is fully executed. Circumcision of a Jewish boy on the eighth day marks him out as a person God has specially chosen for His own.
In a similar way, Christians bring their children to be dedicated to God (or baptised) at an early age. By doing this, they show that a child’s rightful place is in the family of God.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Pray for your children (and other children) that they will love God and fulfil His plans for their lives.
• Pray for the political leaders of your country to imbibe the virtues of truth, honesty and compassion for their citizens.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Genesis 4:4; Neh. 12-13; Luke 21:1-19
