“The Lord Will Show You Great Mercy!”

“The Lord Will Show You Great Mercy!”
When Elizabeth became pregnant she said, “The Lord has…shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people”(Lk.1:25). Indeed; when she gave birth to a son, “her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.”
I can imagine how during her pregnacy haters and mockers were like wondering, “Are you sure that is truly a pregnancy she is carrying? Are you sure it is a baby? Well, let’s wait and see!” That’s the fickleness of human nature!
Let us focus on the naming of the child. Be careful what name you give to a child. In the past African Christians have been so brainwashed into giving European family names to their children. Meanwhile Africans have very rich and meaningful Christian names in African languages. Names like Kongnyuy, Lemnyuy, Afanwi, Ndonwi, Nkanikob, Bamnikob etc. are more Christian than Donald, Trevor, Hugo, Doris, George, etc!
If you want to give a Christian name, let it not only be of biblical origin, but also, let it be that the biblical character(s) who bore that name had characters worth emulating. Imagine naming your child Judas just because it is a biblical name!
It is good to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit before naming your child. God gives names that reflect his presence and purpose. The name John as was given to the Baptist means, “The Lord is gracious” or “The Lord shows grace.”
The Bible is a book about how the Lord showed his grace on individuals and collectives. He is still showing his grace on people today. His grand design of grace was fulfilled in the birth and death of Jesus Christ to redeem all humanity.
Those who heard the story surrounding John’s birth and naming were filled with awe. They were all talking about it and wondered about it, asking, “‘What then is this child going to be?’ For the Lord’s hand was with him”(Lk.1:57-66).
My friend, I do not know your story. You may have become a laughing stock among your people. I come to announce to you that the Lord is about to show his grace to you and turn your disgrace into grace. He is about to transform your shame into fame. And because his hand is with you, your story eill become the talk around town! Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, rejoice!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing me great mercy.
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!