Luke 1:41,
The baby lept in her womb, it is very probable that she had been several weeks quick (for she was six months gone), and that she had often felt the child stir but this was a more than ordinary motion of the child, which alarmed her to expect something very extraordinary, it is the same word that is used in Genesis 25:22 for the struggling of Jacob and Esau in Rebecca’s womb, and the mountains skipping, Psalm 114:4. The babe leaped as it were to give a signal to his mother that he was now at hand whose forerunner he was to be, about six months in ministry, as he was in being or, it was the effect of some strong impression made upon the mother. Now began to be fulfilled what the angel said to his father (Luke 1:15), that he should be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb and perhaps he himself had some reference to this, when he said (John 3:29), The friend of the Bridegroom rejoiceth greatly, because of the Bridegroom’s voice, heard, though not by him, yet by his mother. Elisabeth was herself filled with the Holy Ghost, or a Spirit of prophecy, by which, as well as by the particular suggestions of the Holy Ghost she was filled with, she was given to understand that the Messiah was at hand, in whom prophecy should revive, and by whom the Holy Ghost should be more plentifully poured out than ever, according to the expectations of those who waited for the consolation of Israel. The uncommon motion of the babe in her womb was a token of extraordinary emotion of her spirit under a divine impulse. Note, Those whom Christ graciously visits may know it by their being filled with the Holy Ghost for, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Watch children on a playground. One will climb up high on the monkey bars. His daddy will stand beneath him and say, “Jump into my arms.” Without hesitation the miniature Tarzan will leap into the air and fly into the secure grasp of his father. Five minutes later the little boy will again be at the top of the monkey bars. A stranger passing by might say “Jump; I’ll catch you.” But the little lad will not jump. His father he trusts, for he knows that Daddy will never fail him, but every one else is under suspicion.
As believers, we can take a leap that requires faith – risking all yet risking nothing – for we know our Heavenly Father is always available to catch us. Deuteronomy 33:27 says. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; he will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’ During Christ ministry on earth, he encountered the rich and the righteous, the proud and the poor, the official and the outcast. Yet He stood amazed only in the face of one thing – unwavering faith. The Roman centurion knew the protocol of authority, he knew the hierarchy of power, he obeyed his superiors and demanded complete submission from those under his leadership. Amazingly, he also believed in the authority of Jesus. The man knew Jesus commanded everything seen and unseen with just a word, so he told Jesus that he believed his servant would be healed if Jesus would simply give the command. And Jesus stood amazed at this type of faith. Our nature does not deserve our King’s blessing; our actions do not earn his approval. But lovingly God came to us, touched us, blessed us, redeemed us.
That action should humbly compel us to respond to Him with worship, affection, and love for faith without work is dead. It’s time to wake up from our sleep and establish our faith in the Lord as CCC HYMN 529 says.
James 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
Nietzsche said God is dead. While Nietzsche, an atheist, wasn’t interested in embracing the gospel, his words are a good reminder of what can happen when a society sets God aside. People execute their faith and turn their back on the Savior. They stop pursuing God with resolve and passion. Even those who go to church and claim a religion can quickly veer off course if they stop at “belief” but do not let it affect their lives. Belief is more than just a position or realization. We were designed for a relationship with Christ and we find our ultimate purpose and meaning in Him. True belief is about the journey through life in relationship with God. True belief is alive and active, affecting your life today and every day!