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

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

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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

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Matthew 6:33
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'Why Tremble?' (Ps. 27:1)
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Daily Wisdom
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Psalm 34:14
"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
Unstoppable!
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'The Encourager Sent to Encourage' (Acts 11:22-24)
"When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened [with the spread of the Good News to both Jews and Gentiles], they sent Barnabas to Antioch...."

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.

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