THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 1:21-25
“(The Lord has) taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)
At that time, in that culture, barrenness was a disgrace “among the people”.
The word translated “disgrace” actually means a bad name or reputation.
In our day, there are also cultural stigmas that shame people with a bad name.
Ever since humanity turned from God, we have all struggled with our reputation.
We want to make a better name for ourselves, and find all kinds of ways to do it.
But as Elizabeth discovered, a good name is not made by what we do or accomplish.
It is only by the favor of God that we are ‘graced’, and given a new name.
Our world will continue to ‘name’ us as unworthy, to disrespect or disgrace us.
We will not help this by our own disgraceful thoughts, words and deeds.
But our hope is not in how we see ourselves, nor in how others see us.
Our hope is in the grace and favor of God who meets us where we are…
But refuses to leave us there… we are graced in His eyes, and this changes everything!
The son of Zechariah and Elizabeth points the way to Jesus, who takes away our disgrace!
Through Jesus, ALL of us are graced with a new name, a new hope, a new life!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, others may not see it, but I feel the barrenness of my own life. Thank You for Jesus, Who has graced me with a new name, new status, new reputation! Help me to see myself as You see me!