Wonder and Knowledge

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 them. (Luke 1:66)

I love this familiar story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Elizabeth, barren and childless had given up hope of every having a child. But God had other plans for this couple.

In accordance with God’s will, Elizabeth was to give birth in her later years. When the angel Gabriel told Zacharias this, he was quite doubtful due to his and his wife’s advanced age. Because he expressed doubt a what Gabriel told him, he was struck mute.

We also know that when Mary, pregnant with the Christ child, went to visit Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby jumped within her womb at hearing Mary’s voice. This unborn child was already so special…already so in tune with the other unborn baby who would became King of Kings. He would be born before Jesus, and would begin the journey that would lead to that moment of baptism in the River Jordan.

After his birth, at his circumcision, there was much fuss about what name this new child should have. Most agreed, as was the custom, that the child be given a family name. But Zacharias, being obedient to what the angel had spoken, announced that the child’s name would be John. His voice was immediately returned to him after this proclamation of obedience, which made all those around him stand in awe.

What kind of child will this be? That was the question on all their minds that day so long ago.

We are no different. Our baby is born, we look at him (or her) in amazement and pure love, and we wonder…what kind of child will this be?

Will my child be like me, or his father? Will he have my eyes? Will she have my smile? Will he love sports or will she love to dance? Will he grow up to be an astronaut or will she grow up to be President? So many questions, so many things to ponder.

The truth is…God already knows what His will for our child’s life is. He knows everything about that child, down to the number of hairs on her head. All that new love we have for this child doesn’t begin to compare to the love He has for this child.

He has great plans to prosper him and to give her a hope and a future. His plans for our child are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. Opportunities are limitless when they are guided by our God.

Perhaps we should stare down at our newborn and wonder not what type of job they will have or what hobbies they will enjoy. Perhaps we should set our focus on this: