Verses 57- 58 Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist. The Lord had shown great mercy to Elizabeth. She was old, barren, and now had a child to build up her family of priests. And not just that, but she has a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord. Wow, can you imagine what it’s like to be told that?! 

Verse 60 It is likely the Holy Spirit shared the name of Elizabeth’s baby with her. And then in verse 63 Zechariah gets a tablet and writes it down.

Verse 64 Unbelief will close a mouth up under God. But believing God will open it back up and we will speak freely of His work. Believing God fills our barren hearts and hands with blessings.

Fear and the unbelieving soul

Verse 65 What should be an exciting moment here is actually stirring up fear in those who don’t believe in God. The neighbors are unbelievers (remember the town they live in is largely unbelievers) and filled with fear that God brought this little boy to do great things for God. What should be happy moments in an unbeliever’s life will actually stir up fear instead.

Verse 66 The hand of God had special protection for John from birth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy. For extending to us grace when we don’t deserve it. There are areas of our lives we’re still seeking your mercy for. Father, you see those; you know our hearts. May Your compassion and grace cover these areas in need. We rejoice in the mercy you have already shown us. Reveal Your Word to us and speak to our hearts. We are so grateful for how you revealed yourself to us. Open our eyes of faith so that we might rejoice in Your work in our lives where unbelief has held us fearful. Fill us with Your promises so that we might cling to Your Truth and be grateful for what You’ve already done in our lives. Give us the eyes to see and the will to believe. May Your hand be with us today, covering us, protecting us, providing for us, guiding us, and granting us peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.