"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Monday, March 18, 2024 - Day 78 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Deuteronomy 33,34; Luke 1:24-56)
THE BABY LEAPED
And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb....“For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:41&44 ESV)
Our verse for today states, “The baby leaped.” These words give us several precious insights.
● The baby in Mary’s womb is very special (He is Jesus, the long-promised Messiah).
● Little John, in Elizabeth’s womb, was moved to leap in the presence of his cousin and Savior.
● There is life in the womb (we believe from the moment of conception).
We hear nothing of Elizabeth anywhere other than Luke 1. We do hear much more about Mary, the mother of our Lord. While she is filled with joy both here and at the birth of Jesus, there will be a time when she will experience the opposite, as foretold by Simeon.
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” (Luke 2:34&35 ESV) Mary’s soul would be pierced as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son.
John leaped in utero at the in utero presence of the One who would die for him. The womb is a powerful place, a blessed place, an honored place.
May we spiritually leap with joy as we remember that Jesus accomplished the complete removal of our sins when He died that first Good Friday. And may we leap with joy for every life protected in utero, born physically, and then born spiritually through Baptism.
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to this earth as a baby so that You could die on the cross for me and for all sinners. Help me to do all that I can to protect and promote Your gifts of physical and spiritual life. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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