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

Friday, January 18, 2019

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
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.

Key Thought

So often today, it seems that those who are not blessed with unexpected joys are jealous, even critical, of those who do receive them. Isn't it wonderful that Elizabeth's neighbors weren't that way? We can 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 (Romans 12:15 NIV). Find things in your friends' lives for which you can honestly rejoice. Doing so makes their blessings a source of blessing for you, too!

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 rejoices with the blessings of others. Make that joy contagious. I ask for this grace in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 4:4-8
  • Psalm 22:26
  • 1 Peter 1:8

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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.

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.

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