05 Luke 1:39-80 (The Birth of John - Pt 2)

* In Luke chapter 1 we have seen that Zacharias and Mary each were visited by the angel Gabriel with the message that God was going to bless them and use them in fulfilling His redemptive plan. Zacharias responded with doubt and wanted a sign to validate the message. Gabriel told him that he because he doubted, he would be mute until John was born. Mary, on the hand, received the message with fear and submitted willingly to God's desire in her life. * Two weeks ago we began to consider the events surrounding the birth of John by considering The Visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Another miracle occurred when the two women with miraculous pregnancies met! The approximately sixth month old "fetus" in Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy at presence of the less-than-a-month old fetus in Mary's womb! Elizabeth additionally recognized Mary as "The mother of my Lord!" As a result, Mary praised the mighty, holy and merciful God for scattering the proud, filling the hungry, and remembering His mercy (khesed) to the nation of Israel. * Today, we conclude this section by seeing the fulfillment of Gabriel's promise to Zacharias at the birth and naming of John. * This message was presented on February 11, 2024 by Bob Corbin.