Articles
Praising Him For Our Blessings
What would be the first words you say after being silent for nine months? John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, pondered this question after he was made mute by the Lord for having doubt in his heart that He could allow his wife to become pregnant in her old age. Zechariah must have used the time the Lord had given him wisely by reflecting on his faith. Rather than saying, “Finally…”, “It’s about time!”, or other exclamations of relief, Zechariah decided to express his joy by first praising God. Luke 1:62-64 reads, “And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.”
While Zechariah had a profound change of heart after being disciplined by God, he isn’t the only person to have praised His name. After going to see Elizabeth in person, Mary sings a song of praise to the Lord. She sings in Luke 1:47-49, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Mary’s heart overflows with immense joy that the Lord has given her a child, let alone His child.
Elizabeth has the same exuberance of joy in her heart when she hears Mary’s greeting. In Luke 1:42-45 she cried, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Elizabeth–and even John in her womb–felt humble joy because of the faith of her relative Mary and the righteous salvation her baby would bring.
Hebrews 13:15-16 reads, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Whether it be after a trial like Zechariah or a celebratory time of life like for Mary and Elizabeth, does lifting your voice to God for your blessings enter your heart?
