Psalm: 19

Meditation

Luke: Unlike Mark, Luke is far more generous with the details surrounding John the baptizer’s conception. Gabriel’s description of what John’s life will look like takes on all the trappings of a nazarite and I am not certain they even existed anymore at the time of his birth. The last notable nazarite I can think of Samuel (about 1,000 years before), although Elijah and Elisha may have belonged to that sect. Gabriel perfectly describes John as an “old time” prophet. Consider that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth. No wonder Jesus held him in such high esteem. (See Matthew 11:11)

Gospel: 

Luke 1:5-25

New Testament:

Rev. 20:11—21:8

Old Testament:

Isaiah 11:10-16