-December 5, 2023-
Good morning beloved, happy Tuesday,
“For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”
(Luke 1:44).
There are many exciting happenings associated with the birth of Christ, before it, during it, and after it. Today’s verse is such a happening. Both Elizabeth and her young cousin Mary were pregnant at the same time: Elizabeth with John the Baptist and Mary with Jesus. In both cases an angel announced their conceptions and their sons would be very special, especially in the case of Jesus conceived by the Holy Spirit through the Virgin Mary.
Neither of these two precious women knew what had happened to the other. They lived in different places and communication was in person only, there were no phone calls, emails, or texts to share the good news. God has His ways of communication that are far better than ours. In this case, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the babe in her womb leaped for joy. This passage in Luke 1:39-45 describes the scene at Elizabeth’s house. When the babe leaped in her, she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Joy and the filling of the Spirit are always connected in the NT. To be filled with Holy Spirit is to be controlled and led by the Spirit. We are all familiar with incidents where a baby in the womb moves and kicks, but here the Holy Spirit makes it clear this was different: the baby leaped. It was mysterious, marvelous, and moving. I believe this was only time in human history where a baby in the womb leaped for joy.
But what of us? Should not our hearts leap for joy at the mention of the name of Jesus? Should not our hearts leap for joy when He does great and mighty things in our lives? The Lord still works miracles today, He still answers prayers, He still does exceedingly abundantly beyond what we can ask or think! Joy is one of the fruit of Holy Spirit. Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is because of our relationship to Christ. Joy on the inside produces joy on the outside: boundless, endless, and limitless!
As we continue in the Christmas season leading up to Christmas Day, let us praise the Lord with joy and gladness. Have a blessed, joyful day in Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.
Joy and gladness overcome fear and sadness,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 