What Jesus Did! 'Rejoice!' — Luke 1:57-58

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

When it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.
— Luke 1:57-58 NLT

Key Thought

So often today, it seems that those who do not receive joys and blessings are jealous, even critical, of those who do receive them. Isn't it wonderful that Elizabeth's neighbors weren't that way? We should follow their lead and rejoice with those who rejoice! In fact, even beyond the example of those who rejoiced with Elizabeth, we are instructed to rejoice with others. [1] Find things in your friends' lives for which you can honestly rejoice. Doing so makes their blessings a source of blessing for you, too!

[1] Romans 12:15 NIV.

Today's Prayer

Seems, dear God and Almighty Lord, that there is so much bad news these days. Sometimes, I don't seem to find the good in the things around me. Give me a heart that notices with the blessings of others and rejoices with them. Make that joy contagious. I ask for this grace in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Joy to the World!
Article by Phil Ware
With the birth of Jesus, we enter a gritty world that we know is our own. Phil Ware continues his series called When Spirit Becomes Flesh and he focuses on the grit and real world feel of the birth stories and also the joy that comes from Jesus' birth.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 1:57-58 NLT — When it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Reputation is character minus what you've been caught doing."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'God Who Shows Me Unfailing Love' (Ps. 59:16-17)
"But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Special Messenger' (Ro. 15:15b-17)
"[Paul wrote,] For by God's grace, I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Angel' (Acts 11:13-14)
"[Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius' house:] "He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him,..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!