and they rejoiced with her.
When, on the eighth day, they came to attend the circumcision of the child, they wanted to
name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “Not so; he shall be called John.
” They said to her, “But no one in your family has that name!” and they made signs to his
father for the name he wanted to give him. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet, and wrote
on it, “His name is John;” and they were very surprised. Immediately, Zechariah could speak
again, and his first words were in praise of God.
A holy fear came on all in the neighborhood, and throughout the hill country of Judea the
people talked about these events. All who heard of it, pondered in their minds, and wondered,
“What will this child be?” For they understood that the hand of the Lord was with him.
As the child grew up, he was seen to be strong in the Spirit; and he lived in the desert
until the day when he appeared openly in Israel.
Reflect
Go to any gathering of many generations and you will hear the elders asking the children,
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” The children will respond with various answers
– some more serious that others – based on their ages and interests. Often these answers
will change as the children grow older and learn more about various careers, and about their
own skills and interests. But even for young people well-advanced in their studies, their
career path might change. Even adults with already-established careers may change paths,
sometimes drastically.
John the Baptist, on the other hand, knew what he was supposed to do from the very
beginning of his life. He was to go forth and help to bring light to all the peoples, preparing
the way for the Messiah. John did not ask, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Instead,
he asked, “Who is God calling me to become? What does he want me to do?” We can
follow John’s example, no matter what stage in life or career we find ourselves.
As long as we live, it is never too late to seek and follow God’s will.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023