The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 June 2024 – His Name Is John
TOPIC: His Name Is John
READ: Luke 1: 57-66 (NKJV)
- Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.
- When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.
- So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.
- His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”
- But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”
- So they made signs to his father — what he would have him called.
- And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.
- Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue [loosed,] and he spoke, praising God.
- Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.
- And all those who heard [them] kept [them] in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
THE MESSAGE:
John the Baptist was of the priestly lineage in Israel, via both of his parents. Zacharias his father was a priest of the order of Abijah while Elizabeth his mother was of the lineage of Aaron. His birth was explicitly foretold by the angel of God in the first chapter of the gospel of Luke. His name was prophetic and his parents were careful not to name him contrary to the prophecy. Gabriel said to Zacharias: “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall his name John” (Luke 1: 13).
Zacharias received divine instruction from the angel of God concerning the name of his unborn child while burning incense in God’s presence. Christian parents ought to seek the face of God before naming their children. As much as you may desire to give your child a good name, you must also listen to God’s instruction about what He is willing to call the child.
Again, as a Christian parent, you should abide in God’s presence so much that you can receive divine revelation concerning your children. Allow God to guide your children through you. Your impact and influence over your children has much more spiritual significance over them than those of any other person.
Therefore, human opinion or birth circumstances must never overrule what the Lord has revealed to you concerning what you should call your child.
PRAYER: Almighty God, may I not fail You in my responsibility as a parent in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
