In the Process of Becoming

Luke 1, 57-66:
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

     As a parent, I find great joy in hearing my sons tell me what they will be when they finally grow up. Among the things I have heard: fireman, policeman, doctor, garbage truck driver, astronaut, teacher, singer, chef, dancer, artist.  At their age, only their imagination limits what they can become. I tell them when the come to me with a new life career: “That’s fine. If that is what God wants you to be, then you will be the best (fill in the profession) ever.”

     When I read this passage today from Luke,  I was struck by the last sentence: "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Here we find the baby John already with the Lord’s hand upon him. Even at eight days old, God was preparing and guiding him so that he would do precisely what the Lord intended for him to do. He would be the voice of one crying in the wilderness telling the world that Messiah was near.

     The Good News that I find from this text is that if God can work such a plan in the life of an 8 day old baby, I think God can also work such a plan in the life of 44 year old pastor. I am continually amazed by the fact that God isn’t done with me yet. Like John, I am still trying to discern what this child of God is to become. I know that I haven’t arrived yet, but I know that, if I am patient and allow God access to my life, then I will make it exactly to where God wants me to be.

    Pray for me, as I seek that path. I’ll be praying the same for you.

    What do you think about this?